Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to introduce the Gambling Control Bill 2018. I am very grateful also to the Bills Office, which has worked with us on the legislation, and to our own researcher, Mr. Kevin Dillon. The Bill is sponsored by Deputies Jack Chambers, Jim O'Callaghan and me.

Fianna Fáil is committed to socially responsible gambling. As such, the Bill has a double objective to regulate the expanding gambling sector which has emerged in recent years and to protect vulnerable adults and young people. The legislation updates the general scheme of a Bill published by the Government in 2013 but never moved. We need effective gambling regulation to provide those who work in the industry with certainty on socially responsible gambling. We are committed to working with the industry to build a new framework but the time for delay has long since passed. The regulation we outline in the Bill recognises that gambling remains an extremely weakly regulated sector. I am looking here at legislation dating back to 1956. The Bill seeks to establish an office of gambling control which new agency will be self-financing through the industry. The flexible powers sought to be provided to the new agency are key elements of the Bill and will enable the State to move quickly with technological developments and ensure regulation does not lag behind.

One of my first questions on promised legislation was on the status of the general scheme of the gambling control Bill of 2013. According to the then Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, the issue was the technological complexity of the industry. Unfortunately, in the 18 months since the question was asked on the floor of the House, the Government has not moved forward with its legislation. It is therefore incumbent on the Opposition to give this matter priority. Many families and communities have been devastated by the effects of gambling.

It is an underlying issue, particularly when it comes to people's health. In that context, I see that the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health is present. It is having a huge effect on everybody.

It is time to deal with this matter. I ask the Government to support us in the context of progressing the Bill. It should not leave us waiting for days or months on end, trying to get Private Members' time in order to bring the Bill to the House. I hope the Government will work with us. We are taking up the mantle. The original legislation has been left languishing for five years and I am asking the Government for its support.

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