Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Were some bookmakers not given the nod by the present Taoiseach, when he was Minister for Finance, for the introduction of FOBTs on the basis that they would make up the tax shortfall for the racing industry? It was acknowledged within the Government that one could not do something as anti-social at that, however, so the Government suggested an all-party committee and tried to get a Member of the Opposition to chair it. Is the Minister taking us for fools on this side of the House? The one thing that is noticeable about him is that he is always on the side of the angels. Even when the ruse was to legalise FOBTs, the Minister was always careful to say he agreed with Deputies on this side of the House and that he was also against FOBTs. If he is against their introduction, what is the problem and why will he not introduce legislation? He should stop talking about it.

The casino sector needs regulatory legislation badly. The casino report dealt with 100,000 matters. The Minister is now saying that, because we do not go along with him concerning FOBTs, he will not set up an all-party committee even though the great number of issues had nothing to do with FOBTs. It is time to put the charade to bed.

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