Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

There is a better way. A tax could be imposed, as is the case in Northern Ireland and Britain, which would apply to the gross turnover of companies. Such a charge, even if it were set at 2% or 3%, would be preferable to imposing a charge on the placing of bets. The placing of bets through electronic methods via the Internet is becoming more commonplace and such transactions are not subject to tax. There will be no incentive to go to the local betting shop and pay a charge to place a bet if one can avoid doing so by going on-line or availing of the services of a company registered abroad.

We on this side of the House must seek to be positive in identifying aspects of the budget where we can obtain the same financial return, if not more, but in a different way. I have made a submission to the Minister on behalf of the Irish Bookmakers Association, which is a reputable organisation. Some of its members are facing the closure of their offices. I understand a former Minister from a party on the other side of the House is experiencing difficulties with his betting shops.