David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill. I note that many greyhound tracks are under pressure financially and that this Bill will allow for the raising of additional revenue which, hopefully, will be channelled in that direction.

There is an overlap in respect betting and gambling between the Departments of Justice and Equality and Finance. I would like to speak first about a concern brought to the attention of the justice committee. According to the Gaming and Leisure Association of Ireland, GLAI, there are 20,000 unlicensed gaming machines in operation in this country across a number of unlicensed venues. It cites the reason for this is the conflicting regulatory regimes currently in operation. While holders of gaming licences must adhere to strict operational criteria, including mandatory inspections and reporting, holders of amusement licences are required only to hold a tax clearance certificate and are not subject to mandatory inspections of their properties. The Gaming and Leisure Association maintains that this is unfair on the people operating gaming licences in accordance with the law. I would welcome if the Minister could at some stage clarify the facts surrounding this issue, the role of the Revenue Commissioners in this matter and whether the State is losing a considerable amount of money because of this anomaly. It is, perhaps, an issue that should be addressed in the context of this legislation.

It could well be that the current legislative regime is adequate. If so, why then is it not being enforced and is the State losing a considerable amount of money because of this and putting pressure on the people who are operating gaming licences properly? I understand that information on this matter has been submitted to various Departments by the GLAI. The association is deeply concerned about this matter and has proposed the introduction of amusement licences in both respects. This matter is also relevant in the context of the gambling control Bill currently under consideration by the Department of Justice and Equality. The association believes that a lot will be achieved by way of clear and simple definitions of these licences and that further discussion on definitions is required.

In regard to the proposed establishment of a gaming regulation authority, it could also have a role in this area. Clarity on the proposed licensing regime is required urgently as there are many operators under pressure financially because of this anomaly in the system. I would welcome if the Minister could at some stage give a considered response in the Dáil or in committee to this issue.

Reference was made to online accounts, deposits and unclaimed winnings, etc. There are issues around that which also need to be tidied up. I hope the Departments of Justice and Equality and Finance, in terms of the overlap between them in relation to gambling and betting, co-operating in relation to this Bill and the proposed gambling control Bill.

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