Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising what is an important issue. I take on board the comments made by Uachtarán na hÉireann on gambling advertising. As the Deputy knows, the programme for Government commits to comprehensively reforming the licensing and regulation of gambling activities and the Minister of State, Deputy James Browne, is overseeing the reform of that legislation. In particular, he is focusing on the establishment of a gambling regulator which would be focused on public safety and well-being, covering gambling online and in person. The regulator would have the powers to regulate advertising both online and through more traditional media.

We will look at Senator Wall's Bill. It would be important, as a precursor, to have an all-party approach and engagement on this in the Oireachtas. In the meantime, it is important that we pursue the legislation for the establishment of a regulator. The pathway is that it would be fully operational in early 2023 and the work is under way on the legislation to develop modern licensing and regulatory provisions for the industry. As regards the milestones the Minister of State has targeted, he envisages that the draft general scheme will go to government by the end of quarter 3 and it is intended to finalise the appointment of a CEO-designate by the end of the year. The regulator will have enforcement powers for licensing and powers to take action where individual or operators are failing to follow rules and regulations. It will have key objectives in making sure to provide for responsible and safer gambling as well as combating problem gambling.

Addiction to gambling is a terrible illness which can destroy families and individuals. The Deputy is correct on that. We need to stand back from the immediate legislation and look at the bigger picture around gambling. We need to look at what we can do to deal with the issue itself and support those who have an addiction to gambling and provide the necessary supports to them. The establishment of an independent gambling regulator could help to change the debate and the narrative around this. The regulator would develop the regulations, codes of conduct, codes of practice and so forth but perhaps it would also become the catalyst for the further policy changes that are required.

I accept that the situation and frameworks governing gambling are weak. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland develop codes around advertising and so on but it is something we need to take a broader look at as a Legislature. I will look at the Deputy's proposals with a constructive frame of mind.

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