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

A number of factors at play here. There are different moving parts. There is no doubt that the move to online betting is pretty incessant. The high street outlets are more labour intensive and more employment rich than online betting. The relief provided here by the Minister will be of benefit to small independent bookmakers who might have one or two shops. Because the relief is capped at €50,000, it will be of limited value to the more mid-range bookmakers.

The Minister quoted overall numbers as evidence that there has not been a significant number of closures. It could well be the case that there is a time lag involved. On the basis of the feedback I have received, many of the smaller bookmakers are hanging on. They are certainly suffering from behavioural change and the move online. The fixed costs for the outlets are of a different nature. Albeit a limited relief, it is important that it is put into effect as quickly as possible. I understood from reading the tax strategy group papers that the relief as set out, which I believe was a maximum of €66,000, was pretty much approved by the European Commission. I assume, as the Minister has indicated, that approval from the Commission for this relief, which is capped at €50,000, should not be problematic. It is, however, important that the relief comes into effect as quickly as possible.

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