James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies and convey to the House my appreciation for its assistance in facilitating the progression of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 to this very important Second Stage. I thank everyone for their contributions and support for this important step as we embark on the significant work ahead of us over the coming Stages. Today's debate has afforded us all an opportunity to consider the legislation and matters that require further consideration or reflection as the Bill progresses. It was important to get Second Stage done before Christmas in order that we have time to reflect over Christmas on the contributions from the various Deputies and NGOs that a view on the legislation. The Bill will not go further than Second Stage before Christmas so Deputies will have time to consider the legislation. This is a hugely important and large Bill and we want to ensure we get it right. We will, therefore, take into consideration all of the proposals from Deputies.

There is very much a consensus in the House on the detrimental effects of gambling addiction and what it does to families. As many Deputies pointed out, it has hidden aspects. If someone has an alcohol or drug addiction, the family can see the person's descent and can try to intervene at an early stage. Very often when someone has a gambling addiction the first the family and loved ones know about it is when the sheriff or Garda is at the door or, God forbid, something even worse has happened. Many people who have lived exemplary lives go off and do stupid things to feed this very serious addiction.

The common and important themes to emerge were around the areas of advertising and sponsorship and the impact they have on young people and all age groups. The general call on us was to see if we can go even further. We have sought to strike a balance between limiting sponsorship and advertising insofar as possible without going as far as a full ban. There are concerns that such a ban would lack balance and could have unintended consequences, including perhaps driving gambling underground. I agree with Deputy Gould that the board will have to reflect and have the input of lived experience and cannot consist only of corporate representatives. When we are drafting the terms of reference for the board and inviting people to apply to join it, we will provide that this will be done through the Public Appointments System and the board will have to include a broad range of representation.

A number of Deputies called for an extension of the social impact fund beyond the areas currently set, namely, research, treatment, awareness and education. Deputy Ward mentioned the Clondalkin Equine Club in that regard. We will certainly consider that possibility but we do not want to risk the social impact fund becoming too diluted. Its primary aim is to tackle gambling addiction but we can certainly consider the various aspects raised. The issues around lack of data and research in this country are very clear and we also need further treatment and education. The levy we put in place to fund the social impact fund will help to tackle some of the serious issues out there.

Ireland has waited a very long time for this legislation and efforts have been made several times in recent decades to bring forward a new system of regulation for gambling activities and gambling-related services in this country, but to no avail. It is important that we finally have a Bill with real momentum behind it. I recognise that in every contribution today Deputies sought to get the best Bill we can enacted.

The primary objective of the Bill is to present a framework for a robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector in Ireland. It provides for the establishment and statutory functions of a body to be known as údarás rialála cearrbhachais na hÉireann or the gambling regulatory authority of Ireland. The authority will be responsible for licensing and regulating gambling to include betting, gaming, certain lotteries; the sale or supply of products or services related to gambling; the imposition of obligations on licensees and other persons, including obligations relating to advertising, promotion and sponsorship for the purposes of safeguarding persons participating in gambling; monitoring and enforcing compliance with obligations imposed on licensees; the prohibition of children participating in gambling or being employed in the gambling industry; the establishment of a national gambling exclusion register; the establishment of a social impact fund; and the funding of the authority by the means of the imposition of a charge on licensees.

As mentioned earlier, I am hopeful that with the support of both Houses, this Bill will be signed into law and enter into force by mid-2023, with the intention of establishing the authority later next year. The Bill addresses legislative requirements to bring about a comprehensive and necessary form of regulatory and licensing regime for gambling. The co-operation of the House's is much appreciated and I look forward to working with my colleagues over the coming months.

See this speech in context