Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

With regard to the Deputy Flanagan's question on legislation relating to casinos, my party has not discussed it nor has there been discussion at government level regarding whether we will proceed to have resort style casinos or Las Vegas-type casinos in this country. That would be a major decision, which would have to be made by the Government and the Oireachtas. The Government has had no discussion on this and no decision has been made in this respect.

Some people favour them while others - I fit into this category - feel resort style casinos are not needed in the State. However, as Minister, I must have an open mind. Given that I have rarely put on a bet in my life and I do not know much about this area, it is necessary to have a discussion. One of the reasons I was in favour of the Dundalk project was that originally it included an indoor ski slope and other leisure facilities. I am an adventure sports enthusiast, not a gambling enthusiast.

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