James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I cannot accept the Senator's amendments as I believe the matter they seek to address is already dealt with in the Bill. I refer to amendment No. 63. Section 31 provides that the authority "may undertake, commission or collaborate with research projects in relation to gambling or gambling activities", including in relation to gambling addiction. In addition, the other activities specified in this section are not exhaustive and would not preclude the authority from engaging in research relating to the harms associated with excessive and compulsive gambling.

I cannot accept amendments Nos. 64 to 67, inclusive, as the matter they raise is already addressed in the Bill. Section 31 provides that the authority "may undertake, commission or collaborate with research projects in relation to gambling or gambling activities". The list provided in this section is not exhaustive and would not preclude the authority from engaging in research relating to any other matters it felt were necessary or appropriate. Furthermore, it is a key tenet of the authority to address unlicensed gambling and to ensure the protection of children. I am satisfied that these matters are provided for extensively throughout the Bill.