Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on changes in legislation which would facilitate the introduction of casino gambling here; if he has received representations favouring the introduction of casinos here; if so, the number of same and the organisations and individuals from which they were received since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31864/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, in mid-2006 my predecessor 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, and related matters.

The Casino Committee presented its Report in April of this year. It is a lengthy document which deals with a range of complex and inter-related public policy matters. The Report is currently being considered within my Department and when this process is concluded I intend to bring the Report before Government.

In advance of the Government's consideration of the Report of the Casino Committee I do not propose to comment on any proposals which I may bring forward in relation to policy changes in this area.

I can confirm that I have received representations both in favour of and against the introduction of casinos in Ireland. It is a fact that some individuals may not want their names appearing in the public domain and bearing in mind the requirements under the Freedom of Information legislation to protect third party information I do not propose to provide details of the individuals who made written representation to me at this time. Since July 2006, outside the framework of the submissions to the Casino Committee, some 39 separate representations from organisations in support of casinos have been received. The attached list offers a breakdown of the representations and the organisations involved.

The response to all such representations has been that having established a Committee to consider the possibilities for a legislative basis for the regulation of casino-style operations I do not propose to comment on future policy in advance of receiving and considering the report of the Casino Committee. I can confirm also, that I have had no meetings with the organisations referred to below.

With regard to the Deputy's request for information going back to 1997 the compilation of this information would require a disproportionate expenditure of resources which I do not believe would be warranted in this instance.