James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the inclusion of the words "video games", we are satisfied that the current drafting would include anything that may be on a video game relating to gambling, but I will certainly undertake to the Senator to give it further consideration to ensure we are satisfied on the point.On the charity and sporting sector exemptions around advertising, the joint Oireachtas committee was clear at pre-legislative scrutiny that there should not be exemptions for charity or philanthropic purposes. It was discussed by the committee, whose members, including the Sinn Féin spokesperson on justice, made it clear that they regarded those activities to be gambling activities. Nonetheless, I made it clear in the Dáil that I would bring forward amendments to make those exemptions for charity and philanthropic purposes, but we have to put protections in place. For example, we cannot have an alcohol 0.0 situation where businesses run by unscrupulous people try to take advantage of the exemptions for the charity and philanthropic sector. We had to do a lot of work to ensure those protections were put in place and we are satisfied that they were. When this legislation passes, the necessary exemptions will be there for charitable and philanthropic purposes, while robust gambling legislation will be in place to protect vulnerable people.

I remind the Senator that Sinn Féin Deputies voted against the legislation in the Dáil and we would not be discussing it today had they had their way.