TÁNAISTE Micheál Martin has said he does not believe the Government’s ban on televised betting advertisement will result in job losses in the horse racing industry.

The Government’s gambling legislation will mean the advertising of betting companies is prohibited on television, including dedicated horse racing channels, between 5.30am and 9pm.

Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing have warned their ability to broadcast in Ireland will be significantly hampered by the legislation as it will result in a dramatic reduction in advertising revenue.

Government backbenchers and Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) have lobbied junior justice minister James Browne, who drafted the legislation, for an exemption for the two channels over concerns about the knock-on impact of the stations reducing coverage of Irish racing.

However, the Minister said he could not introduce an exemption as it would give the two channels a monopoly on gambling advertising in the State.

Speaking at a media briefing in Government Buildings before Christmas, the Tánaiste said the Irish racing industry is “world class” and should not worry about the concerns raised about the impact of the Gambling Regulation Bill on the sport.

The Irish Independent reported the Tánaiste saying: “I think James Browne has worked very diligently and effectively in producing a very comprehensive piece of legislation, to his credit. He has a lot of respect across the Oireachtas in respect of this,” Martin said. “I don’t believe the fears will be realised.

“I read an article in which James sets out very clearly the arguments as to why he believes some of the fears that are being articulated will not be realised.”

Mr Martin said gambling addiction is a “serious issue in society” and is a “serious public health issue”.

“The ESRI estimates that about 130,000 people are problem gamblers. The problem with gambling is that it can destroy families overnight. People lose their houses. It can have very, very traumatic impacts on families,” the Fianna Fáil leader said.

“So the bill reflects the seriousness of the situation and the seriousness of gambling addiction and I believe there are ways of dealing with some of the issues that people have raised. I don’t believe the fears will be realised.”

The Minister has argued that providing a derogation from the legislation for dedicated racing television channels would be anti-competitive and discriminate against other sports with dedicated television stations.

He also pointed out that the legislation does not ban the presence of trackside betting, the use of trackside gambling ads and the sponsorship of jockey’s colours and races by betting companies.

In an email sent to the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party in September, Browne said: “In short, there is no legal impediment arising from the gambling legislation that in any way inhibits the showing of horse racing, as it is currently broadcast.

“I am very concerned about intense gambling advertising, and I do not believe the increased association of gambling and sport is healthy for our society.

“This legislation has been spoken about for many years, and I believe it is imperative that Fianna Fáil in Government should deliver this bill.”