James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their contributions. I understand their intention. It is important to note that charities and other organisations are already subject to the regulation via the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 where they operate and promote lotteries as part of their fundraising model. This Bill contains the existing policy and measures, albeit modernised, provided for in the 1956 Act. The exclusion of the charity sector from the provisions of the Bill completely would result in the removal of certain safeguards and protections the sector has complied with for nearly 70 years. The Government does not equate the charity sector with commercial gambling operators in that charities that offer gambling activities as part of their fund-raising model must remain properly regulated in that regard. To be clear, neither the Government or I equate the charity sector with any kind of bad actors or criminality. Unfortunately, we know of the rare but highly-damaging examples where some persons have abused their status as a charity for criminal activity or self gain but they are, thankfully, in the minority. In this legislation, while continuing the regulation of the charity sector that has been heretofore, we provide exemptions for the charity sector and philanthropic organisations such as sporting clubs from the advertisement requirements that would have unfairly impeded the charity sector and sporting organisations from being able to advertise the lotteries, etc., they have done heretofore. We ensure they have the exemptions sought by the charity sector in that respect. We do not support charities or sporting organisations stepping out of the legislation altogether. As I said, they have been regulated heretofore and that regulation is carried forward.