David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We had a substantial debate in this House and in the Dáil on the issue of the modernisation of the stake and prize amounts for licensed gaming machines set down in section 14 in Part III of the principal Act of 1956. The modulation of such amounts is the only function of the Minister for Justice and Equality.

I have said previously that there was no particular scientific method for deciding what are appropriate and relevant stake and prize amounts for gaming machines. We must, however, take into consideration the passage of time since 1956, as well as the availability of newer types of gambling. Thus, the Bill ,as passed by this House, in section 5, revises section 14 of the principal Act, in two particular aspects – that the maximum stake amount be increased from 3 cent to €10 and the maximum prize amount be increased from 50 cent to €750. Members in the other House felt these amounts might be further revised. Thus, in amendments Nos. 3 and 4, I propose revised amounts of €5 maximum for a stake and €500 maximum for prizes for licensed gaming machines. While these limits may not please everybody, we must be realistic. There is little point in imposing amounts so small that they would be totally ignored.

The new provisions in section 5 allow for adjustment of the limits by way of regulations made by the Minister and this matter will be kept under scrutiny. This new provision means that if there is a problem with them, they can be revised. I believe that the revised figures are realistic and will be acceptable to Senators.