James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Unfortunately, I cannot accept amendment No. 68 as the matters it raises are already addressed in the Bill. Section 31 provides the authority may undertake, commission or collaborate with research projects related 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 ensure the protection of children. I am satisfied that these matters are provided for extensively throughout the Bill.

I cannot accept the Senators’ amendment No. 69 as I am satisfied the Bill already addresses their amendment via section 32(2)(b). On cryptocurrency, in addition to the credit card ban, section 160(3)(a) allows the authority to specify any form of payment that may not be accepted by a licensee, and this could include cryptocurrency or something similar.