Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am speaking on the Bill. There are millions of unclaimed prizes and money on horses that are non-runners being retained by bookies' offices throughout the country. This Bill is a step in the right direction but much more needs to be done. We should be world leaders in protecting our citizens against the scourge of gambling. We should not be catching up. We should make virtual betting illegal. An online provider should not be allowed to create these fictitious hobby-horse, pretend races. We would all have a shopping list a mile long as regards what we could do with €30 million. I want to see in the lifetime of this Government an effective and appropriate gambling control Act and I have no doubt that under the stewardship of this Minister of State, who is one of the most competent in the Government, we will see that happen.