Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I refer the Deputy to replies to Questions Nos. 124 and 194 of 28 May 2008 and Question No. 2 of 17 April 2008, which set out the position in connection with this and related matters.

The casino regulation committee completed its report in April 2007. It is a lengthy document that deals with a range of complex and inter-related public policy issues including Internet gambling. Neither the Government nor I have adopted any views on the report. Indeed, because the report in question makes recommendations that have significant public policy implications, it was clear that it would require further detailed analysis before Government could be asked to make a formal decision on introducing any new regulatory regime for the gaming area.

My predecessor had proposed publishing the report of the casino committee — Regulating Gaming in Ireland — in conjunction with the establishment of an informal cross-party committee to examine that report and the wider aspects of gaming and gambling. The report is ready for publication but, like my predecessor, I consider that this is an area where cross-party consensus would be not only desirable from the outset but would help in mapping the way forward so that the interests of all elements in our society are taken into account from the beginning in an area of important public policy. This is important because there are widely diverging views held on this subject not just between parties, but within parties in this House.

My aim is to ensure that gaming activities are carried out within a responsible framework that recognises the reality of those activities, the changed environment within which these activities now take place, including on the Internet, but which also ensures that they are properly and responsibly managed, particularly as far as those who may experience problems as a result of their participation in gaming activities are concerned.

My clear preference is to proceed on the basis of agreement to establish a cross-party committee and to publish the report within the framework of that committee. However, due to the delay in establishing the informal cross-party committee I have decided to go ahead with the publication of the casino regulation committee report — Regulating Gaming in Ireland — imminently in advance of finalisation of the informal cross-party committee. I welcome all observations on the report. As it is still my intention to proceed with the establishment of the committee the invitation to the Labour Party for a representative to participate on the committee remains open. This approach presents an opportunity to Members of the Oireachtas to contribute, at the important policy formulation stage, to the future architecture of gaming. This is the best way forward.

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