Online gambling and teenage drinking
Senator Craughwell’s concern about Paddy Power and gambling profits is taken up, with support for online gambling legislation. The Leader then responds to Senator O’Reilly’s concerns about teenage drinking, pre-drinking and age controls, urging collective action.
Senator Craughwell referred to Paddy Power, Betfair and the gambling Bill. I join him in calling for the introduction of legislation on online gambling, in particular. He is correct that gambling is a secret addiction which has shattered and ruined many lives. We must tackle the issue collectively rather than creating silos. It is frightening to note that profits of €1.5 billion have been recorded in the gambling industry. We must ensure the gambling Bill will be proactive and not allow certain lacunae to remain. This matter was discussed for a long time under a previous Government when I was a member of the committee with responsibility for sport and tourism. It is important to have a debate and legislation on it.
I answered Senator Dolan's question on the signing of the 2018 declaration. He is correct on the issue on which I will be pleased to have a debate because it is important that we work together on the topic of international migrants.
Senators Humphreys and Devine raised the issue of fire service call-outs. It was also highlighted yesterday and this morning. I join Senator Kevin Humphreys in appealing to both sides to engage in talks. A protest was held outside Dublin City Hall on Monday and the matter was discussed in the House yesterday and today. Dublin Fire Brigade provides a great service for the State and the city of Dublin and saves many lives. Its members are professional and dedicated. Talks are necessary on whether the service should be moved to Tallaght or retained in two locations. Let us have a discussion on what will best serve the needs of the public.
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That is what the firefighters are seeking.
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I agree, but one cannot have megaphone diplomacy on the national broadcaster. Both sides should engage, discuss and reach a solution in talks to ensure a service will continue to be provided. Nobody wants a strike, which would not be in anyone's interests. I understand a strike has been proposed for next Wednesday.
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Both sides should engage in talks.
Senator O'Reilly referred to the misuse of alcohol at teenage discos. I know that the Senator has been proactive in his home area and the House on this matter. I was involved in a sports organisation which ran teenage discos. They were well policed by volunteers and no alcohol was consumed. However, it seems the phenomenon of pre-drinking has percolated down to under-age persons. If that is the case, we should have an alternative to teenage discos. Senator O'Reilly also referred to identification cards and the minimum age. There is merit in the matters he raised in that regard.
Senator Gallagher referred to the shortage of general practitioners and the importance of primary care services. There is a shortage of doctors and we are in a competitive international market. The Minister for Health and relevant organisations are in talks on the GP contract. At one level, despite recent changes, rural practices are no longer viewed as viable or attractive. We must incentivise doctors and consider other ways of addressing the problem, which returns us to the issue of the post office. Rural areas need primary care services and post offices.
Senators Boyhan and Mulherin referred to the post office network and the report that emerged yesterday, about which Senator Murnane O'Connor spoke yesterday. The Government is committed to working with An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union to reinvigorate the postal service. My information is that the programme for Government has not changed. As Senator Boyhan will be aware, Governments cannot close post offices as such matters are the responsibility of An Post. Yesterday the House debated legislation dealing with the mechanism for capping the price of postal stamps. An Post is losing money. As part of the reinvigoration and revitalisation of rural areas, facilities and services must be provided for people who live in them. We cannot shut down the country at the M50 or at the edge of Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick. We must ensure vibrant services for people outside these hubs. The report Mr. Bobby Kerr submitted to An Post in December 2015 is being considered by the company which has rejected the suggestion it is about to close post offices. The Government is committed to acting on the recommendations made in the report of the post office network business development group. Senators Boyhan and Michelle referred to the requirement to maintain a post office network in rural areas. I hope we will not see what is set out in the report come to pass.
I will be happy to have a debate on the legislation to which Senator Byrne referred. On International Women's Day, it is important to have a debate on the role of women. The Constitutional Convention, of which I was a member, discussed the matter. As Senator Wilson noted, gender quotas did not apply in the Seanad elections and fine women were elected on their own merit. I congratulate and thank them for the role they play. It is important to note that women leaders and Members of this House are doing an extraordinary job. Senator Wilson referred to gender quotas. To be fair, Senator Bacik is recognised as a representative of the Labour Party.