Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I also thank the Leader for providing time tomorrow to express sympathy to the Lenihan family. The Cathaoirleach will know that the Lenihan family has very close ties with County Clare. The late Deputy's ancestors came from north Clare, very near from where I come. On behalf of the people of County Clare, I express our sympathy to the Lenihan family and, in my own case, to Brian's mother, Ann, who was a mature student in UCD when I was an undergraduate.

I wish to raise the issue of gambling and refer to the fact that a casino is to be built in County Tipperary having been given the green light by An Bord Pleanála. I do not particularly have an issue with the facility being given planning permission and I am sure it will provide much needed employment in County Tipperary and offer visitors from abroad a tourism offering not currently available here. However, there is a need for the legislation on gambling to be updated and I have read reports that proposals are in train to do so. Gambling presents a serious problem. When the legislation is being updated, I suggest the Government also consider the legislation governing the national lottery which has served the country very well since its establishment, but the governing legislation dates from 1986 and possibly needs to be updated. When the lottery began, there was one game held each week and one scratch card on offer, whereas now there is a choice of approximately 15 scratch cards and at least one televised game show every day, with an on-line product. After 25 years the legislation has run its course and we need to take another look at it. Gambling poses many serious problems and side effects and we need to be very careful to ensure it does not take a grip on the country, as it has destroyed many homes. Therefore, in any legislative analysis we also need to look at the national lottery.