Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I concur with the other Senators who have spoken, specifically in regard to these new technologies. The destructive technologies are the use of the Internet which gives the opportunity for people to gamble with abandon. Senator Craughwell made the point that people are able to spend as much money as is available to them there and then. That is not something I do not support nor should this House support it. We should try to do something about it here and now. I raised this issue on Second Stage, as did many others. If it is possible to do this in this Bill, then it should be done. If other legislation is required, I am sure the Leader will make the time available as soon as is practicable to ensure we can move on this.

The new version of gambling is moving and changing at a scary rate.

I have too many young friends who are able to gamble whatever money is available to them, that is, people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, because they got involved far too early, as Senator Cummins has noted. Something must be done about this and Members cannot sit on their hands, scratch their heads and state there will be another opportunity to do something about it. Now is the time to do something about it and I look forward to the Minister of State's response to ascertain whether this is the legislation that is required and whether now is the time to do something about it.