Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 844: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legislation and regulation in place to protect children and adolescents from on-line gambling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11425/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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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 Lotteries Act 1986 with the Betting Act 1931 governing all matters relating to betting. These Acts govern activities whether online or offline. In general, all forms of gaming are illegal in this jurisdiction except where specifically permitted. In terms of enforcement, in Ireland, as well as in most jurisdictions, what is illegal off-line is considered illegal on-line.

The Internet, however, is an international and world-wide phenomenon. It has no borders and no single organisation controls it. Measures to combat illegal materials and activities on the Internet are therefore hampered by a multiplicity of jurisdictions, differing legal systems, and differing societal norms. Combating illegal use of the Internet thus requires responses at national, EU and international levels.

Under a Code of Practice and Ethics agreed by the Irish Internet Service Provider Industry in 2002, material or services that are illegal under Irish law will not be carried on Irish servers, and if such is found they will be removed immediately under agreed protocols. Unlike child pornography, however, where there is almost universal agreement, online gaming/gambling is not illegal in many jurisdictions, and these services can be accessed via the internet from this jurisdiction.

The Deputy may also be aware that in August, 2006, the Government agreed to the proposal of my predecessor 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 completed their Report in April last year. It is a lengthy document which deals with a range of complex and inter-related public policy issues which are now being considered.

Following consultation with my colleagues in Government I intend to publish the Report in question shortly. On publication I will be in a position, also, to announce the steps I intend to take to advance the situation in relation to the complex public policy issues surrounding gaming in general in the most appropriate manner. Needless to say, I do not propose to comment on the Report or any of its recommendations in advance of its publication.