Results 6,081-6,100 of 7,312 for speaker:James Browne

Seanad: Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: Report and Final Stages (8 Oct 2024)

James Browne: What is proposed in amendment No. 19 is provided for in the Bill and addressed in sections 162 and 163, which will oblige licensees to train their staff to a standard approved by the authority on these issues. In that context, I cannot accept the amendment. I cannot accept amendment No. 24 as it raises matters that come under the remit of the Central Bank concerning unlicensed financial...

Seanad: Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: Report and Final Stages (8 Oct 2024)

James Browne: Regarding amendments Nos. 20 to 23, inclusive, on Committee Stage, a number of Senators raised concerns in respect of this section and a number of differing positions were expressed by different Senators. I consulted the Office of the Attorney General in respect of these provisions and was advised that the sections, as originally drafted, were somewhat legally ambiguous. That would put the...

Seanad: Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: Report and Final Stages (8 Oct 2024)

James Browne: It was previously drafted in such a way that it was a positive affirmation that gambling companies could provide inducements. It was then a clarification that it could not be provided to individuals or groups. The positive affirmation was not actually needed and I agree that was redundant. I had concerns with it myself when I looked at it more carefully. That positive affirmation is...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (8 Oct 2024)

James Browne: I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to the principle that everyone should be safe, and feel safe, and my Department has taken a number of steps in this regard. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion to An Garda Síochána in Budget 2025, up 27% since 2020, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to ensuring An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (8 Oct 2024)

James Browne: As you may be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions. I would like to reassure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to...

Seanad: Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: Report and Final Stages (8 Oct 2024)

James Browne: Regrettably, I cannot accept amendments Nos. 3 to 5, inclusive. Speaking to amendment No. 3, as I previously outlined on Committee Stage, I am satisfied that section 14(1)(c), which provides that it shall be a function of the authority to establish, maintain and administer the social impact fund, already addresses the issue. As the Senators will be aware, a key purpose of the social impact...

Seanad: Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: Report and Final Stages (8 Oct 2024)

James Browne: As noted on Committee Stage, the policy underpinning the Bill is to regulate gambling in the State, with an emphasis on ensuring that there are public health protection measures to protect vulnerable gamblers. All gambling is to be regulated through the Bill, and that includes games run by charities and sporting organisations under the advertising piece. A number of other amendments have...

Extension of Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021: Motion (16 Oct 2024)

James Browne: I move: That Dáil Éireann resolves that the period of operation of sections 1 to 7 and 9 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (No. 14 of 2021) be extended for a further period of 6 months, beginning on the 1st day of December, 2024, and ending on the 31st day of May, 2025. I am here to introduce the resolution on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Deputy...

Extension of Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021: Motion (16 Oct 2024)

James Browne: I certainly hope it is the last time. It is somewhat out of my control. I suspect that, at this stage, it will be next government that finally brings in a Bill. The Government gave approval on 25 October 2022 to the general scheme of the alcohol Bill. This seeks to reform and replace the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2018 and the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008. The Minister intends to...

Extension of Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021: Motion (16 Oct 2024)

James Browne: Obviously, the mayor and the cathaoirleach were also involved. It was a great success and shows what can be done. It was an amazing event. I certainly hear the Deputy. I do not want to be in a situation where a Minister of State has to come here every six months to do exactly this. It needs to be finally resolved. I certainly hope that will happen in the very near future.

Extension of Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021: Motion (16 Oct 2024)

James Browne: I will raise the matter of the courthouse with the Minister, Deputy McEntee.

Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: From the Seanad (16 Oct 2024)

James Browne: These are all technical amendments, one of which makes a change to the Long Title.

Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: From the Seanad (16 Oct 2024)

James Browne: Yes.

Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: From the Seanad (16 Oct 2024)

James Browne: I confirm that private members' clubs will be covered. A couple of lads coming together in their home will not be, but private members' clubs as we know them will be covered by this legislation. I do not have an explanation as to why the advice differs, other than to say that I have always thought that the law is an art and not a science. As time moves on, interpretations can change. It...

Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: From the Seanad (16 Oct 2024)

James Browne: There were concerns on Report Stage in the Dáil that the full repeal of section 36 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 might lead to bookmakers enforcing payment from people who ran up large debts with them. Amendment No. 37 retains the protections provided in section 36 of the Act of 1956 in relation to bookmakers to ensure this does not happen.

Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: From the Seanad (16 Oct 2024)

James Browne: Amendment No. 38 is a technical amendment required on foot of amending the Bill to provide for transitional arrangements in respect of gambling legislation currently on the Statute Book. In summary, the transitional measures introduced in Part 10 will provide that the authority commences its licensing functions. Existing legislation shall be repealed but all existing licences and related...

Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: From the Seanad (16 Oct 2024)

James Browne: Amendments Nos. 40 and 41 are minor drafting amendments to accurately reflect the functions of the authority as a result of previous amendments to the Bill in Dáil Éireann.

Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: From the Seanad (16 Oct 2024)

James Browne: Amendment No. 42 provides for the ability of the authority to charge licensees a fee where they make an application to vary an aspect of their existing licence, while amendment No. 74 is a drafting amendment recommended by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel as a result of amendments introduced during Report and Final Stages in Dáil Éireann. The amendment is necessary to ensure the...

Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: From the Seanad (16 Oct 2024)

James Browne: Amendment No. 43 provides for the retention of a definition of "relevant date" which is the date from which a person on the register is excluded from gambling. In regard to amendment No. 44, the Bill previously provided for a national gambling exclusion register to allow people to register with the authority and exclude themselves from online gambling. The Bill provided that a person who...