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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Betting Bill and medical cards

Summary

Michael McGrath presses for Committee Stage of the Betting (Amendment) Bill, which he says is costing the State revenue through delay. The Tánaiste says the committee must set a date and promises a Finance Minister response, while reporting that the discretionary medical-card review is nearing a conclusion.

The Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013 passed Second Stage in January but we are still awaiting the commencement of Committee Stage. The Bill is designed to extend betting duty to online transactions, but the delay in enacting it is costing the State millions of euro. When will Committee Stage be taken and when will the Bill be passed? If the Tánaiste does not have an answer in that regard, he can ask the relevant Minister to revert to me on the matter.

The Taoiseach indicated that the issue of discretionary medical cards was before the relevant Cabinet sub-committee for consideration and that proposals relating to it would be brought to the full Cabinet. Will the Tánaiste advise when that is expected to happen? Will he also indicate when there is likely to be an indication of any possible change in policy and whether legislation will be required to facilitate such a change?

Comment on this

I understand the Betting (Amendment) Bill is at committee.

Comment on this

Committee Stage has not yet commenced.

Comment on this

Yes. It is awaiting Committee Stage. Obviously, it is a matter for the committee to set the date for that.

Comment on this

That is the issue.

Comment on this

I think I know where Deputy McGrath is going with the question. If there are issues in respect of the preparation of amendments I will ask the Minister for Finance to get back directly to Deputy McGrath.

The second question related to the review of medical cards. This issue was discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday and work is being done on it. I understand work being done on it today and I expect we will have a conclusion to that very soon.

Comment on this