James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 177 is a technical amendment to section 97 to refer to the correct renumbered subsections 93(1) and 99(1), respectively, as is amendment No. 180, which removes redundant language from section 97(1)(b) which is already set out in the obligations concerning the national gambling exclusion register.

Regrettably, I cannot accept amendments Nos. 178, 179, 181 and 182 in the names of Senators Ruane and Higgins. Regarding amendment No. 178, I am satisfied with section 97 as drafted. The Senators’ amendment would render the purpose of the section, and the ability of the authority to ensure licensees' systems provide gambling activities in a fair and transparent manner, unworkable.

On amendment No. 179, it would be unreasonable to expect an applicant to provide details of any new or emerging technologies they may or may not use as part of an application. Furthermore, I am satisfied that where a licensee proposes to use or uses such a new technology, this is addressed by sections 97 and 126.

Regarding amendment No. 181, I am not satisfied the Senators’ amendment is necessary. In drafting this Bill, I consulted the Data Protection Commission and the commission did not specify a need for such a provision.

I cannot accept amendment No. 182 as it is unclear what the Senator means by "an algorithmic safety report" or by "algorithmic harm". In this context, it is not proper practice to include unclear concepts or provisions in the Statute Book.