Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I concur with what Senators O'Neill, Keane and Mullins said regarding the night club referred to. It is very well known which night club is involved but we cannot mention particular establishments. It has very clearly encouraged irresponsible and dangerous drinking by young people. The name of the event "Messy Mondays" speaks for itself. I raised this issue yesterday so I will be brief. It goes back to the debate I have requested. We should have a constructive debate where we have some idea of the strategy the Minister of State will propose and what the legislation is likely to contain when it comes to minimum pricing and all these other issues that are being discussed on an almost daily basis in this House and outside it.

I wish to raise the issue of online gambling and a potential tax on it.

Legislation is ready to be introduced in the House. I ask the Leader when it will be before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is clear this House has the capacity to debate it. The rate of 1% tax being suggested is minimal, considering the significant profits made by the likes of Paddy Power and Boyle Sports. Paddy Power currently generates three quarters of its profits online and the Exchequer is not getting any cut of those profits. Approximately €1.6 billion per year is gambled online in Ireland which suggests that the Exchequer could be in receipt of €16 million every year. This income would be very welcome. It would not be desirable to see these companies moving out of the jurisdiction but there is scope for a larger percentage and a rate of 2% tax should be considered for online gambling in particular.