John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak on this Private Members' Bill. Like other Members, I wish to compliment my colleague, Senator Ward, on bringing forward the Bill for consideration. I should say at the outset that I have no vested interest in this discussion. I am not anti-gambling. I play the lotto. I also place the odd bet on football or horse racing at the bookmakers. Some of what I say in the next few minutes may be perceived as being supportive of the national lottery and some of it, not so much.

There is no doubt that it is an amazing coincidence that we are debating this Private Members' Bill on an evening when there is a record jackpot of €19 million on offer from the national lottery. I am sure it is a pure coincidence. As others have said, one third of the cost of every ticket sold for tonight's draw, and every draw throughout the year, goes the good causes fund. Last year, it generated €254 million, and, as Senator Buttimer stated, since 1987 it has contributed more than €6 billion to help communities and sporting and voluntary organisations in every town, village and city throughout the country. It is also true that, as mentioned by previous speakers, the lotto supports many thousands of jobs in newsagents. It is regulated and controlled, with tickets only being sold during certain hours of the day.

I am acutely aware of the challenges that are faced by individuals and families that are affected by gambling. While some people that can place the odd bet here and there and some people play the lotto when the jackpot is large, there are many people that are not able to do that and just place the odd bet. They struggle and run up debts. All of the consequences that follow are very well documented. I believe that we do need to address the wider issue of gambling addiction within this country. Senator Ward is attempting to address one element of that with his Bill. I look forward to many other elements being teased out as the Bill moves to Committee Stage. There are valuable and valid arguments on all sides. We need to be mindful of jobs and displacement, but we also need to be very mindful of those who are challenged with gambling addiction.

There is one issue that I would like to highlight. If it is not to be included in this Bill, perhaps it can be addressed through regulation. I have been contacted by a number of constituents who believe that the sale of scratch cards should be regulated in the same way as the sale of cigarettes in newsagents or retail stores. They believe that scratch cards should be kept in an unbranded cabinet and not displayed in full view of the customer. I tend to agree with them. There is no doubt that it promotes last-minute purchases and entices customers, often the most vulnerable in society, to purchase scratch cards. I have heard advocates in the past cite examples of people who go into multiple newsagents and spend all of their money on stratch cards. I am not saying that putting the cards in an unbranded cabinet will stop that behaviour tomorrow morning. However, if it reduces the number of people who become addicted to that element of the national lottery, I believe that it would be a good day's work. It may not be for this Bill, but it is one of many other issues that need to be addressed in the wider debate on gambling addiction. I commend my colleague, Senator Ward, on his work and thank the Minister of State for coming to the House.