Mattie McGrath urges recommittal of Section 12 over bingo concerns
Mattie McGrath spoke in support of Deputy Sherlock's proposal to recommit Section 12, arguing that unintended consequences have become apparent. He warned the change could make bingo non-viable for local clubs and voluntary societies and called for clarification.
Support for recommittal
Mattie McGrath backed Deputy Sherlock's proposal that Section 12 be offered for recommittal, saying colleagues have only now become aware of the possible effects. He said recommittal at committee stage would allow further clarification and debate.
Risk to local bingo and clubs
He warned the unintended consequences could lead to closures, making it no longer viable to run bingo for local clubs, societies and voluntary groups that have operated for decades. He emphasised the social interaction and solace bingo provides to many thousands of people around the country.
Questions about evidence given
McGrath criticised answers given by a teacher in the debate, saying the teacher was either mistaken, did not understand, or had misled colleagues. He expressed hope the teacher was simply mistaken and said the matter needs clarification.
Minister's response and next steps
The minister replied that recommittal of Section 12 would be acceptable and welcomed the opportunity to clarify the provision. Both McGrath and the minister agreed that when the Dáil reaches Section 12 it may be appropriate to recommit it for committee stage consideration.
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Again, I support Deputy Sherlock's proposal that Section 12 could be offered for recommittal because people have become aware of this now. We often pass legislation here and there's unintended consequences. And look, the teacher today, I know he gave his answers. He was either mistaken or didn't understand it or else he misled it all one or the other. I hope that he's mistaken. He didn't understand it. That we could have that aspect of the bill recommitted because we're here passing legislation regularly to control certain things. But the unintended consequences here are the closure of, it just won't be viable to have bingo for the local clubs, the local societies, the local voluntary groups that are running for decades. As well as the social interaction and the social solace that many, many thousands of people throughout the country get from bingo. Do you want to respond, Minister, before we progress? Before we come to Section 12, so I'm quite happy to recommit to Section 12 on a committee stage debate. No problem whatsoever. I'd be delighted to do so. So a lot of clarification is needed in this. There's a lot of confusion and information out there, which is not quite clarified. And I'd like to get the opportunity to clarify the information for the colleagues when the time comes. But when we get to Section 12, it might be in order to recommit at that time. Would that be OK? Perfect.
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