Written answers

Tuesday, 21 November 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Lottery Licensing Laws

9:00 am

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 207: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the failure of the Gardaí and his Department to enforce the law and close down the 12 gambling casinos in the Dublin area will shortly result in the introduction of illegal roulette slot machines being introduced into betting premises here starting in December 2006; the steps he will take to prevent the installation of illegal roulette slot machines into betting shops; if he will take steps to ensure that the law will be enforced against such attempts to operate illegal roulette slot machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38643/06]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 208: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the 12 gambling casinos operating in contravention of the law in the Dublin area are not closed immediately pending the deliberations of the special working group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38644/06]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 209: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has taken steps to prevent 12 gambling casinos in the Dublin area from continuing to break the law here. [38645/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 to 209, inclusive, together.

I have been informed by the Gardaí that they are aware of a number of gambling casinos in the Dublin area as indicated by the Deputy. These private clubs are visited by the Gardaí Síochána on a regular basis and no irregularities have been detected to date that would justify a prosecution under the Gaming & Lotteries Acts 1956-86, which is the relevant legislation for such matters. I am assured that the premises will continue to receive Garda attention and if breaches of the legislation are detected the directions of the DPP will be sought.

As the Deputy is aware, I have established an inter-departmental committee chaired by Mr Michael McGrath BL to report on the possibilities for a legislative basis for the strict regulation of casino-style operations in the State, the composition of any proposed Casino Regulation Commission and related matters. I expect to receive the Casino Committee's report in the near future. The Deputy will understand that, having established a committee to consider these complex issues, I do not propose to comment on future policy in advance of receiving and considering the report of the Casino Committee.

I am aware of some proposals to introduce casino type activities such as fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) in betting shops. On a personal level I am opposed to the introduction of such activities into the betting shop environment, however, as outlined above I am awaiting the report of the Casino Committee before commenting on future policy.

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