Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take amendments Nos. 6 and 7 together.

Section 9 of the Bill provides that an applicant must make his or her intention to make an application for a certificate of personal fitness known through the publication of a notice in two daily newspapers. The onus is on the applicant to advertise the application in a daily national newspaper. In addition, the Minister for Justice and Equality may in accordance with section 32, request information from the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána or a foreign regulatory body for the purpose of making a decision on an application for a certificate of personal fitness.

It should be recognised that the Betting (Amendment) Bill is an interim measure, pending the enactment of the gambling control Bill, which is due to be published early next year. Upon enactment of the gambling control Bill, the Minister for Justice and Equality will become the sole regulator for all forms of gambling with the exception of the national lottery. This will provide for a comprehensive licensing and regulatory framework.

In light of this, it is not proposed to accept these amendments.