Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the changes he intends to make to the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006, aimed at tightening the enforceability of gaming and lotteries law, including the effects thereof. [24078/06]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the basis on which he claims that Houses of the Oireachtas policy stands for the prohibition of casino-style operations here and against the idea that casinos should be permitted and regulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24079/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.

The Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956-86 prohibit gambling except in certain specifically defined circumstances. Casino-style operations are not covered within these exceptions. Such operations are therefore unlawful. I have no proposals that would alter the present policy of the Acts, but rather to tighten the enforceability of that policy by way of better provision on the evidence to be obtained in relation to unlawful gambling and on the procedure involved in closing down a casino. The provisions by which it is intended to achieve this are being developed in my Department in consultation with the Attorney General, among others. The details will be announced as amendments for inclusion in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill at Committee Stage.