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

Yes, we are going to try to implement this measure as soon as possible. We are confident we will be able to do it. I take the point made by Deputy O'Keeffe. I know that bookies are also places to socialise. I agree with the Deputy and I would prefer to see bets being placed in an atmosphere in which they can be better regulated and it is just simply the case this can be done if there is a person at the counter as opposed to by use of a phone.

I also take the point that there is sometimes a lag between a change in taxation and the effect it has on the number of people within a sector. That is a fair point but I still make the point, and I think it is worth recognition in the debate, that the number of bookmakers is pretty stable versus where we were this time a year ago, as is the number of registered premises. Perhaps this shows the ability of the sector to respond to a change in tax.

I reiterate what I said a year ago, that a 1% betting duty was too low a level of tax for any sector to pay. The change that we are making is needed. All parts of our economy must make a contribution to the public services that are very important to our country and a 1% levy was too low and needed to increase. I am introducing a very targeted change for independent and, likely, very small bookmakers. I believe it will have an effect. I notice some are already complaining that it could allow small bookmakers to become too competitive. This shows it is a targeted measure that I hope will have an effect on very small operators.

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