Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 232: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for the regulation of casinos; if his attention has been drawn to proposals to provide casino type activities in betting shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32696/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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On 14 August 2006 I announced that the Government had agreed to my proposals for the establishment of a Committee (the Casino Regulation Committee) to report on the possibilities for a legislative basis for the strict regulation of casino-style operations in the State.

The Casino Regulation Committee will report to the Government on: the possibilities for a legislative basis for the strict regulation of casino-style operations in the State; the form of regulation, the functions and powers of any regulatory body, the licensing system, codes of practice, investigation of complaints, entry and inspection, appeals against decisions, the nature and type of offences, Internet gambling etc.; the role of local authorities; and the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force.

The Committee comprises representatives from the Department of Finance, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Mr Michael McGrath, a barrister with experience in the licensing area has been appointed chairman of the Committee.

On 18 August 2006 the Committee advertised in the national newspapers inviting submissions from interested parties, groups or individuals in relation to the regulation of casinos. It was open to all persons to make a submission (in writing or by email) to the Secretary of the Casino Regulation Committee. The closing date for submissions was Friday 15 September, 2006. These submissions are currently being reviewed by the Committee and will form part of their report to the Government. The original deadline for the Committee report was the end of October but the Committee have requested a longer period of time in which to conclude their deliberations and draft their report and I have agreed that this time should be made available to them. I therefore expect to receive their report in late November or December.

I am aware of some proposals to introduce casino type activities, such as fixed odds betting terminals, FOBTs, in betting shops. I am opposed to the introduction of such activities into the betting shop environment.