Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
223 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he can himself or with his EU colleagues take initiatives to combat the abuse of the mobile telephone or Internet for gambling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31500/04]
View answer224 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the alleged increased use of the Internet and mobile telephone systems for gambling; if his attention has further been drawn to the potential damage to society to such abuse; the action or actions he can take to counter the problem [31501/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together.
Over the last several years, there has been an increased number of bets being taken by bookmakers in the State via the Internet or telephone. However, these changes in the betting sector effectively mirror changes in other commercial areas where an increasing number of transactions are dealt with on the phone or on the Internet.
There can be many problems associated with excessive gambling whether this is done by persons betting in shops, over the phone or on the Internet. In so far as tax legislation can address issues surrounding the problem of gambling, this is an area I will keep under review in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners.
