Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Bill. In recent years the Irish people have borne more than their fair share of cost increases. No government wishes to impose tax burdens on its citizens but the vast majority of the population of this country recognise that what was done had to be done. Even thought it has been difficult, we are beginning to see a turnaround. However, we are still spending more than we take in in taxes. In this context, any indirect taxes which can be identified and which will not affect job creation must be considered either for increase or introduction.

The Bill seeks to bring all remote bookmakers and betting intermediaries into the licensing regime. The new licensing system for remote operators will serve as an important public interest mechanism in preventing crime and protecting customers against fraud. It will also ensure that all businesses offering betting services from Ireland or to persons in Ireland will be treated equally and regulated appropriately. The new licensing regime will hopefully create a level playing field between traditional bookmakers and remote bookmakers, who represent the online element of bookmaking.

This has been welcomed by many in the bookmaking world. Paddy Power makes a very fair point that the company welcomes paying any tax so long as its competitors pay the same tax at the same rate, an objective of this Bill. Boylesports has welcomed that, under the legislation, bookmakers who fail to pay out on a genuine bet can be docked in their licence. The chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, Brian Kavanagh, has welcomed the publication of this Bill as he said it was an important mechanism to create funding for racing. He also welcomes the extended opening hours for shops which will be provided for in the new licensing regime.

The horse industry is very important to the country's economy. It is crucial to the tourism industry and it enhances the reputation of the Irish horse breeding sector. The more tax that can be obtained from the betting industry, the better the opportunity for supporting this industry. Bookmakers' representatives point out that this legislation has the potential to attract foreign investors, thereby creating more jobs and encouraging Irish bookmakers to expand their workforce. The Paddy Power company has created 2,000 jobs in Ireland and it continues to expand. While all reputable bookmakers have rigorous systems in place to verify that account holders are over 18 years of age, there is a general welcome for provisions in the Bill to protect further the young and the vulnerable.

The Bill provides for a new and improved licensing regime. It does not deal with the rate of duty on betting services as this will be dealt with in future finance Bills. The funding of the horse and greyhound industry will continue to be a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I commend the Bill to the House.

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