Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. I wish to express caution in respect of the proposed sale of the national lottery. Over the 25 years of its existence, the affinity every parish and community has had with the national lottery is remarkable. In one way or another, every town and village has received funding from the national lottery for sports facilities, health facilities and so on. It would be worthwhile were Members to have a debate in this House on the national lottery with the Minister present. Members could express their ideas as to how best this national treasure can be resourced for the betterment of the community, as it has done in the past. That said, I also request that the Leader arrange, at some future date, to have a debate on gambling and on online gambling in particular. A serious issue is developing whereby paddypower.ie and similar websites are being used by banks as a refusal kit for young people trying to get mortgages. A debate on this issue at some stage would be worthwhile.