Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The Government has not made any decision on FOBTs, nor has it had any discussions on them. The Government noted the report entitled "Regulating Gaming in Ireland". It was previously suggested before my time as Minister that there would be a cross-party committee to deal with this, chaired by a member of Fine Gael. People then decided that they would discuss this matter, while omitting various issues they did not like. We cannot put our heads in the sand, however, and think these things will go away. There is a valid reason for us to examine all these issues on a cross-party basis. If we cannot do so, then my Department will have to proceed with the legislation concerning aspects of this report. I do not envisage us legislating in favour of FOBTs, but against them, if anything, from what I know. It would be wrong, however, to put our heads in the sand and not discuss all these new technologies. We should discus them with a view to preventing the harm involved and ensuring that they are not prevalent in our society.

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