The bill is due before the Dáil for report stage this week, with Sinn Féin having submitted a number of amendments.

Teachta Daly said:

“We have been contacted by a number of charities and sporting organisations ahead of the scheduled report stage of the bill. They are very concerned about the implications of the bill for their work in fundraising, and have requested that opposition TDs raise these concerns and move amendments to address them.

“Sinn Féin moved a number of amendments in response, including one which would exempt charities and sports clubs from the provisions of the Bill, provided that the funds from any activity are for their benefit alone. By contrast, the government has persisted with blunt measures which could cripple many small community organisations and sports clubs, with no evidence related to gambling harm provided to justify doing so.

“This bill must deliver for ordinary people, voluntary organisations and those in recovery, whilst preserving jobs and protecting sources of fundraising. We have persisted in raising these amendments at committee stage and now report stage. The government has not adequately addressed these issues and we will have to reflect on our support in that context.”