Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their contributions and recognise the strong views of Senator Maurice Cummins which I have heard him express in dealing with other measures in the House, including the Betting (Amendment) Bill. When I was before the House to take that Bill, I made the point that there was a broader societal issue around gambling, including online gambling and the changing nature of gambling. A person can gamble secretly at home unbeknownst to his or her family and it can be a hidden addiction until it is too late. I recognise this as the reality, but this section merely extends the opening hours of registered bookmakers' premises from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. all year round, subject to closure on Good Friday and Christmas Day. It also provides for penalties where opening hours are contravened. The aforementioned provisions are already contained in the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013 which, as Senators are aware, is before the House. However, that Bill has stalled somewhat owing to issues raised by the European Commission under the technical standards directive and will not be enacted before the end of the year. It is necessary, therefore, to provide for the extended opening hours in this Bill to provide certainty for the bookmaking industry which estimates that the existing restricted opening hours from September to March result in the loss of 500 seasonal jobs annually. I know that the Irish Bookmakers Association has spoken out on the importance of this extension in levelling the playing field with remote operators. These opening hours already apply from April to August and I do not think anyone is suggesting bookmakers' shops actually open at 7 a.m. between those months. The provision merely provides for flexibility. I agree with Senator Feargal Quinn that it is a case of the State staying out of things and not being overly prescriptive. I believe passionately that there are massive societal issues around gambling, but this section of the Finance Bill will only enact what is to be done under the Betting (Amendment) Bill which has stalled. These opening hours already apply for a certain part of the year, although I note the concerns of Senator Maurice Cummins.