Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

In its legislative programme, the Government seems to have abandoned plans to introduce a new gaming and lotteries Bill which would amend the completely outdated 1956 Act. In 2000, an interdepartmental group made a number of excellent recommendations. It is a pity this report is gathering dust as the Government does not seem to be doing anything about it.

Recently, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform again indicated he intends to close the loophole in the law which allows private members' card clubs to operate as casinos. He indicated he might do so in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill but I have read through it and there is no mention of this. I ask the Leader to ascertain the Minister's intentions in this regard.