Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have heard what the Minister of State has had to say and generally tend to agree with much of what Senator Feargal Quinn said, but perhaps we differ on this point. The product matters. I note Senator Feargal Quinn's point about the food and meat business, but that is radically different from an addictive product such as gambling. It is fine to say we are all adults who can make our own decisions, but that is not the case and that logic does not apply to something that is addictive. Gambling is the purpose of bookmakers' shops.

I do not believe in the nanny State, with the State sticking its nose in everywhere, but if one business can open, there will be pressure on other businesses to open also. I accept that leeway is provided during the summer, but, to some extent, it is matter of what we hold precious. Is anything precious anymore? Is family life precious? Society matters and sometimes we must say, "Stop." Many gamblers will have the opportunity to bet online at home, but opening for extended hours, with people smoking outside in the morning and late at night, suggests it is all perfectly acceptable. We must be cognisant of the impact on society, families and individuals because with this measure we are embedding the gambling habit culturally. I am concerned about the impression we are giving to young people in approving these changes. We must re-examine the cultural and behavioural messages we are sending in extending opening hours and take account of the impact on families and society.