David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes, because Ireland is not allowed to set a minimum price, thereby allowing one to sell below cost. Moreover, one can engage in any kind of advertising gimmickry because the European Court of Justice was swayed by the tobacco industry. This decision was forced through and the Minister should talk about it to his colleague, the Minister of Health, Deputy Reilly. I was furious about this decision and spoke violently against it.

I now speak strongly against this proposal. Ireland has the example of the Irish Hospitals' Sweepstake, which made a lot of money. It did not make much for the hospitals but made a hell of a lot for the McGraths. At least they were Irish but unless one is careful, this money will leave the country, which is absolutely appalling. I will reiterate a point I have made to the Minister regarding the national children's hospital, which is a wonderful project. I have tried to be honourable about it but of course would have preferred it to have been located at the Mater site, where it would have helped the metro, my area and so on. Moreover, I thought people were far too picky about the style and all the rest of it but the most important point is this hospital is needed. Nevertheless, Senator O'Donnell is correct to note this could be achieved with a special dedicated sweepstake. As I have told the Minister previously, I believe this association with the children's hospital was included to enable the Government to then state, "Don't hit me with the baby in me arms" and I do not believe this to be fair.

I do not support this sale and do not know the reason the licence cannot simply be continued. I do not know the reason the State does not declare it is not having an open competition but simply intends to continue the licence. This should be possible, as it has been done previously. Why not continue to do this and argue the case? This measure is clearly against the interests of the Irish people, who should have at least some say in their own destiny. Moreover, the Minister should take a look at Monday's edition of the Irish Examiner, which I raised in the House both yesterday and today. The ECB told the Government it could not provide responses to freedom of information requests regarding the IBRC resolution scheme. This is appalling and is another example of being run from outside the country. My final point is if, as has been suggested, there may be only one bidder, the entire process should simply be aborted. It should not be allowed to continue because that is not a tender. In the event of there being only one bidder, I believe the Government should be able to withdraw it.