Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I note Paddy Power PLC has opened 18 new shops, ten of which were new and the rest being acquisitions. I find it hard to believe it could not sustain a higher rate of tax, if that is what is required. This is not a sport in which many people actively participate. Given the obvious limits to the State's resources, such funding should be going into increased activity, particularly for young people. While I recognise this is an extremely important industry to Ireland, such moneys should not be sourced from the sporting fund. Will the Minister reconsider the taxation issue or have any other bright ideas come up? Other countries appear to employ a mix of what we do but not all of them accept that on-line betting will be the end of off-course excise duty.

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