Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)

I want to raise the issue of the proliferation of gaming arcades, a phenomenal number of which have opened in recent months. From her time in the Department of Justice, the Minister will know that the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority was an important step forward in terms of supporting people with gambling addictions. I want to see the authority take further steps in respect of these gaming arcades. In many cases, we are not just talking about adults; these arcades are attracting children into a gambling environment. While local authorities have taken steps to prevent the proliferation of certain types of outlets, for example, adult shops or gaming arcades, they often do not have a wide remit in respect of gambling. The Gambling Regulatory Authority should do some work on this. Will the Government raise this issue with the authority and ask it to provide guidance to local authorities? Places as Ballymun and Finglas currently have proposals, and there are also examples in Ballincollig and Dolphin's Barn. Supports should be provided to prevent uses of this type that do not contribute to communities.

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