I wish to raise the betting amendment Bill, in which the Minister has an interest. It was published in draft form in July 2012, almost one year ago but Members still await the final Bill and its introduction to this House. As the Minister is aware, its purpose is to introduce a level playing field for all bookmakers and betting exchanges and it is legislation that Members must consider.

I agree with the Deputy. The Government published this last summer and my understanding is the Department of Finance has made some changes to it and essentially will republish a new Bill. This will be in this session and the Government greatly desires to have this legislation brought forward at the same time as the horse racing legislation, which the Government also has prepared, because in some ways the two go in tandem. However, this is a new revenue stream for the Government on which there should be no further delays. It is about ensuring the Government gets a tax and a levy from online and remote betting. A great deal of betting is switching from bookies' shops to an online mode and the Government is losing and has lost a lot of revenue it wishes to get back. Consequently, this is legislation Members will see before the end of the session and I believe it will be concluded early next session.