Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill today and I would like to respond to some of the issues that Senator O'Donnell has raised, particularly about social issues and gambling addiction which will remain a problem regardless of whether this is in private or public ownership. Many leading psychologists would vouch for that. The Seanad is a fantastic instrument in the organs of the State. It shows the essence of democracy that we can come into this House and debate on both sides of the argument, saying where we stand on the issue. When other Members come into the House to vote on the legislation we will see democracy at work and how people feel about this Bill. It is necessary to say that. We are not selling this licence.