Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I will make it a priority. The Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy David Stanton, is also working on this. This morning I attended an event hosted by the Gaelic Players Association. GAA players, who are ambassadors for sport and role models for young people, are working hard on the issue of addiction to drugs, drink or gambling. In many cases, the latter addiction is the worst of all.

The general scheme of the gambling control Bill was published in July 2013 following approval by the Government, which I am sure Deputy Howlin will recall. The scheme was then referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. That committee received 29 submissions and held public hearings. It finalised its report on 6 November 2013 which considered eight conclusions, and that report was laid before the Houses.

That 2013 scheme provides for the conferring of responsibility for all regulatory matters in this area on the Minister for Justice and Equality, including licensing, inspections and prosecution. It is envisaged that these functions will be carried out by a body located within the Department of Justice and Equality. That scheme also provided for a dedicated inspectorate to ensure compliance by licence holders with the terms of their licences and the new legislation generally.

On the current situation, it remains the intention to proceed with this legislation at the earliest opportunity. Quite a lot of legislation has been coming through, as the Deputy is aware. I will regard it as a priority and I will have the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, update Deputy Howlin on the current state of progress in respect of the Bill.

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