Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 5:

In page 41, between lines 13 and 14, to insert the following:

“39. The Minister shall, within 3 months of the enactment of this Act, lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas a report on measures that will be undertaken to protect vulnerable people from engaging in harmful gambling and the manner in which remote betting intermediaries must assist in this.”.

It is deeply regrettable that we are not taking the gambling control Bill in parallel with the Betting (Amendment) Bill because we are all well aware of the harmful effects of gambling. For many people, unfortunately, it does become an addiction and it can destroy lives and families. The European Commission paper which was published this week flew a warning flag in pointing out that up to 3% of the population are problem gamblers or in danger of developing an addiction. It is critically important that the gambling control Bill be introduced. At a minimum I seek a commitment from the Minister of State that the Bill will be introduced in the House as quickly as possible.

The amendment seeks a report on measures that will be undertaken to protect vulnerable people from engaging in harmful gambling and the manner in which remote betting intermediaries must assist in that regard. There is no doubt it is a growing problem in society and it must be dealt with. We must have certain restrictions in place to prevent the problem getting worse, especially for young people. I look forward to the response of the Minister of State.

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