Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the issues raised by the Deputies. The first issue is the impact that the increase in betting duty had on the sector over the year. It is difficult for us to assess what the effect is of the change in betting duty in isolation, given all the other factors that affect smaller and independent bookmakers currently. The move to betting via mobile devices and phones has been a big factor in the consolidation that is happening in the betting sector. It is tough to be able to provide an exact impact on the betting sector of last year's budget move.

I will give two sets of figures for bookmakers and the number of registered premises. In November 2018, there were 277 bookmakers and 847 registered premises. In October 2019, there were 280 bookmakers and 863 registered premises. Those figures do not indicate that there has been significant contraction in the numbers of bookmakers or registered premises. Within that figure consolidation could have occurred. Smaller independent bookmakers might have moved into groups of larger owners but, on the face of it, the figures indicate that the numbers of bookmakers and licensed premises are broadly stable, which is different from the expectations that were created when we brought in the duty increase in last year's budget.

Deputy McGrath asked specifically if the relief would need further consent from the European Commission. This must conform to the Commission regulation on de minimis aid. This is why some time is being made available. The measure is subject to commencement to allow the Revenue Commissioners to put in place the administrative measures that will be needed. While I want to respect the independence of the European Commission, I am confident that this measure will comply with the different arrangements we will be required to have in place.

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