Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 190: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the role of his Department in supervising and monitoring the operation of foreign lotteries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9754/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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In Ireland, the Gaming and Lotteries Acts, 1956-86 cover gaming and lotteries other than the National Lottery, which is covered by the National Lottery Act 1986, with the Betting Act, 1931 governing all matters relating to betting. In general, all forms of gaming are illegal in this jurisdiction except where specifically permitted.

Sections 21, 26 and 34 of the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act disallow the promotion and purchase in this country of tickets for a foreign lottery. This restriction applies to all lotteries in any country outside of the Irish State. With regard to the supervision and monitoring of the operation of foreign lotteries, I have been informed by An Garda Síochána, that when information is received by them concerning the running of illegal lotteries in this jurisdiction enquiries are conducted by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (GBFI) and any evidence found in support of such allegations is passed through the appropriate channels to the relevant authorities where the lottery purports to originate.

In respect of the details supplied by Deputy Carey, information about that lottery has been passed to the Spanish authorities. When the Garda Síochána receive information, usually from an injured party, concerning information relating to a bogus lottery win they are advised by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation not to provide any personal details, including bank account numbers etc. Unfortunately persons contacted by such fraudsters usually only make contact with An Garda Síochána after money has been sent abroad. However in such cases the Bureau requests that all records relating to the transaction be forwarded to the GBFI. This information is then passed to Interpol for the attention of the country from which the bogus lottery has emanated. Efforts are also made to trace the money sent abroad, however I am informed by the Garda authorities that the details supplied are frequently false.