I 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.