Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

However, because I could not secure the Opposition's agreement, I then asked the primary official in the Department dealing with this to examine how we could proceed with legislation because governments of every colour since 1956 had shied away from amending the gaming and gambling laws for whatever reason. Perhaps vested interests were the reason but I do not know. I saw it as my obligation, given people spent a great deal of time on this report, to move on with it. I delegated my official to commence a consultation process and more than 70 submissions were received. People have asked to meet me regarding submissions they might make. The group in Dundalk did not discuss with me good, bad or indifferent the issue of a casino. I understand the group did not make a submission but others who asked to meet me did. However, I told anyone who asked me to meet him or her or any Deputy who asked me to meet groups about this that I would not meet them as it was a matter for consultation and they should contact the official involved.

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