Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, please, to allow me one minute to ask my question.

The doubling of the betting tax from 1% to 2% constitutes a 100% increase. It is estimated that between 350 and 400 shops across the industry will close with the likely loss of approximately 2,500 jobs. That would have a serious effect on families, window cleaners, local newsagents, plumbers and others. Many people do not realise that Irish bookmakers fully fund the Dunlewey addiction services charity.

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