Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Finance the progress he has made since budget 2009 towards tackling the issue of offshore betting; if research or legal opinion has been commissioned by him; if so, when same will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16913/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As I stated during the Finance Bill process, it has been my intention to widen if possible the tax base on which betting duty would be applied. Bets placed either on-line or over the phone are generally with out-of-State companies so applying betting duty is therefore problematic. My officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, are looking at the scope to overcome legal and operational difficulties in this area and will continue to do so, on an ongoing basis.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Finance if the cycle to work scheme that was announced under budget 2009 and was recently a key policy action in the new national cycling policy framework has been stalled indefinitely as a result of budgetary constraints or procurement, warranty and insurance issues; the estimated timeframe for rolling out the cycle to work scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16916/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The implementation of the bicycle purchase scheme for the Civil Service is being dealt with by my Department. Introducing the scheme in the Civil Service has given rise to a number of issues including that of public procurement. These issues will be resolved shortly. I also understand that the Office of Public Works will be advertising soon seeking expressions of interest from those selling bicycles, pedelecs and electrically assisted bicycles and who would be interested in supplying bicycles and bicycle safety equipment to those availing of the scheme in the civil service. A circular providing for a scheme in the Civil Service will be issued as soon as practicable.