Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Yes. These amendments will now be approved by the House and the Bill will be enacted. As the Minister said, it represents an important component in the legal framework to combat and deal with money laundering. It also makes reference to the regulation of the gambling industry. I was interested to see the representations the Minister was reported to have made in recent times to Government colleagues on the matter of a gambling-type project in his constituency, something which I thought would be somewhat irregular and inappropriate, having regard to the fact that he, as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is now the regulator.

He promised to introduce legislation to regulate the gambling sector, with particular reference to the future of casinos, and whether, as a State, we will broaden the legislation from the current private member club framework, which is somewhat inadequate. The Minister might advise the House on where we stand regarding that legislation. The Minister referred to all-party committees, which did not materialise. This Bill was flagged as having a consequence for those clubs who engage in the practice of gambling in a casino form. Will the Minister inform the House as to his views on the changes in legislation? What is the Government's intention in this regard? What is the timeframe for the introduction of the legislation? What framework will the legislation cover? When might the House have an opportunity of seeing his intentions?

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