Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I have given my views on this issue. The casino regulation committee has recommended that it be examined. The report was reasonably restricted in terms of the type of consultation that took place. It looked at international practice as well as some of the research that was done previously in the State. We now have an opportunity to allow people to give their views. From what I have read concerning these terminals, I would be hesitant about allowing them to be available anywhere in the country because they are the modern, sophisticated equivalent of one-armed bandits. The report refers to the issue of Internet betting, which is far more complex. This report draws on a range of issues, including where betting is taking place. That raises issues about taking legal action concerning how the Internet is operated. Internet betting is targeted in this report.

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