James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am very aware of the human consequences of gambling addiction. I have highlighted that myself consistently. That is why we have drafted a 220-section Bill, one of the biggest to come through the Houses in the lifetime of the Government. I am very aware of the impact, and this legislation comes from a public health perspective. We are not accepting the amendments because we say they are not necessary as what they seek to do is covered within the legislation. As I said, the Government and I and, I think, all Senators here are coming from an understanding of the human impact of gambling on families and the silent epidemic of gambling.