Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response and acknowledge the work that he and his officials are doing. The problem is that the technology is changing so quickly that it is almost impossible for the legislation to keep up. We are always lagging behind. That is where the role of an independent regulator is important. I welcome the decision made by the Government earlier this year to establish an independent regulatory office in this regard.

One man in my constituency who had problems with gambling said he books his holidays during Cheltenham week every year because the talk of betting and the price for horses is pervasive in every radio and television programme. He said if one is watching a soccer match, at half-time it will come up with the price for Messi to score next in the game. There is no getting away from gambling.

Advertising that has a real impact needs to be challenged. We need to change the culture in this regard. On the first day of an election campaign, politicians have a photo taken of them putting a bet on themselves to win. This needs to be stopped, just like where we stopped taking visiting dignitaries straight to the pub for a pint. That kind of culture change is important and an independent office will bring that about.

See this speech in context