Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 932: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to regulate all modern forms of gambling and gaming such as on-line telephone betting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30547/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I published the Report Regulating Gaming in Ireland on 10 July last. The Report makes some 32 recommendations that have significant public policy implications regarding the future architecture of many aspects of gaming and betting in Ireland, including the subject matter of the Deputy's Question.

As I said on the publication of the Report, we need to get things right in relation to our gaming and betting codes. In particular I want to ensure that betting and gaming activities are carried out within a responsible framework that recognises the reality of these activities, but which ensures they are properly managed, particularly as regards problem gamblers. In that context, technological advances associated with the online and remote betting and gaming environments, as well as other significant developments such as the changing nature of gaming through the convergence of technologies, and the proliferation of private members' clubs offering a casino-style experience require further detailed analysis before Government is asked to make a formal decision on introducing any significant changes to the regulatory regime in the gaming and betting area. I published the Report in advance of setting up the informal Cross-Party Committee which is to be asked to examine all aspects of gaming in Ireland and I allowed the Summer Recess for all parties to familiarise themselves with the contents of the Report.

Among the areas to be addressed by the Committee will be to:

reflect on and review the Report "Regulating Gaming in Ireland";

undertake public consultation in relation to the issues raised in the Report;

consider in particular, the recommendations made on the nature of the regulatory and licensing system proposed;

take into account the wider implications of the public policy concerns, both in terms of the negative aspect of gaming/gambling and the issue of choice by adults to engage in such activity;

examine existing law regulating gaming and lotteries in the jurisdiction;

take account of international developments and examine, in particular, the experience of the United Kingdom which has recently enacted the Gambling Act 2005 and established a national regulator — the Gambling Commission;

take account of developments in relation to internet and remote gambling (e.g. via mobile phones);

conduct sectoral consultation in arriving at any conclusions;

evaluate the public policy concerns around gaming and gambling giving the diversity of opinion and the desirability of introducing policy proposals which would attract broad agreement,

provide an interim report on measures that could assist in supporting the horse racing and greyhound industries and any other matter that the Committee considers to be of pressing public importance; and,

provide a final report to the Minister with recommendations on the future architecture for gaming in Ireland as soon as possible thereafter.

As the Deputy can see, the informal Cross-party Committee is being asked specifically to take account of the specific developments addressed by the Deputy in his question. The Committee will have wide latitude to address the many complex and even emotive issues surrounding gaming and gambling, and I would think that participation in the work of the Committee affords an opportunity to Members of the House to contribute, at the important policy formulation stage, to the future architecture of gaming in Ireland. It is an approach that offers the best guarantee that the interests of all elements in our society are taken into account from the beginning in an area of important public policy. I look forward to completing the establishment of the Committee now that the House has resumed and look forward to receiving the advice of the Committee in due course.