I call Deputy Michael Collins to put a question, not make a statement.

I will avoid referring to the programme for Government. Last Wednesday night, to allay many serious concerns throughout the country the Minister withdrew aspects of the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019 relating to bingo.

We were assured that was that but, for many genuine bingo players in west Cork, this is not the case. Four public houses in Cork South-West have been informed since last Wednesday that they can no longer hold bingo events in their pubs, a custom they had for many years, raising funds for CoAction and other fundraising events, and, most of all, giving an outlet for people to spend a few hours after a stressful week. The anger in my constituency is palpable and it is too much of a coincidence to be the same week the Government started tampering with the bingo Bill.

A question, please.

Will the Taoiseach explain why bingo has been denied to the ordinary people throughout west Cork in the past few days?

Are they going to stop them playing cards as well?

I call the Minister for Justice and Equality. I thought everybody was happy last Wednesday night.

So did I. Obviously, there are some people who are never happy. I would be happy to receive a copy of the correspondence from which the Deputy read and to see how we can deal with the issue. I have every intention to ensure there is bingo in west Cork between now and Christmas and well into the new year.