I call Deputy Fitzpatrick to ask a question.

I ask the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, please, to allow me one minute to ask my question.

The doubling of the betting tax from 1% to 2% constitutes a 100% increase. It is estimated that between 350 and 400 shops across the industry will close with the likely loss of approximately 2,500 jobs. That would have a serious effect on families, window cleaners, local newsagents, plumbers and others. Many people do not realise that Irish bookmakers fully fund the Dunlewey addiction services charity.

The Deputy should ask his question.

It is a seven-day service which helps people with their problems on a one-to-one basis. In my county of Louth, Boylesports employs more than 400 workers. As the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, is aware, we will lose 180 jobs this week.

What is the question?

We do not want a return to betting on the black market and no tax being paid. Bookmakers paid 1% betting tax. Will the Taoiseach meet bookmakers to consider the issue because-----

The question has been asked.

-----the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, maintains that the measure will raise €52 million but it will not do so and, rather, will lead to the loss of 2,500 jobs?

The Deputy must be fair to his colleagues waiting to ask a question. I call the Taoiseach.

The budget has been decided. A resolution was passed by this House and that measure will be in the Finance Bill. I would not like to meet any group which thought for a second that such a meeting might lead to us unwinding the budget. We will not do so. The Deputy may be aware that the betting tax used to be much higher and was reduced on the premise-----

The Government closed all the shops.

-----that that would save all the small betting shops.

I thank the Taoiseach.

It did not and the number thereof declined anyway, largely because of online betting-----

It will close more now.

-----and takeovers by large multiples.

I call Deputy Aindrias Moynihan.

The 1% increase will raise €55 million, which will cover the cost of our increased investment in mental health.