Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 38: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if legislation is being prepared to regulate the operation of casinos here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32875/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 issues surrounding the operation and regulation of casinos. 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. I published the Report with the intention of setting up an 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.

In my answer to Parliamentary Question Number 932 of Wednesday 24 September last, I set out the terms of reference of the Cross-Party Committee which I am setting up in order to reflect on and review the Report "Regulating Gaming in Ireland". This Report deals comprehensively with the issues surrounding the proliferation of private members' clubs offering a casino-style experience and the options for introducing regulation. I believe that the establishment of the informal Committee represents the best opportunity for identifying options for consideration by Government on the many complex inter-related issues in this area. 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 receiving the advice of the Committee in due course.