Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I share the concerns expressed this morning about the rumoured job losses at Aviva. It is very disappointing news. We in this House need do everything possible to promote job creation and, as the Government has stated, to create an environment for the creation of employment.

This morning, we all received correspondence about the possibility of 500 jobs being temporarily lost in betting shops throughout Ireland because of outdated legislation which forces them to close at 6.30 p.m. from the end of September unless racing takes place in Ireland. Online betting can operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day and the betting shops are at a disadvantage. I am not one to promote gambling in any shape or form-----