Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the provisions of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 are being adhered to and implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32774/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Under Irish law, gaming and gambling is illegal, except where it is specifically permitted under the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act. It is a matter for the Garda Síochána to investigate breaches of the legislation, and to take whatever action is appropriate. In that regard, I have been assured by Garda management that if irregularities in the law that would justify a prosecution under the Gaming and Lotteries Acts are detected, the directions of the DPP will be sought.

Having said that I accept that the 1956 Act was framed in a different era and no longer serves as a fully satisfactory framework for regulating gaming. In July last, I published the Report Regulating Gaming in Ireland. 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. 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. In my answer to Question Number 932 of Wednesday 24th September 2008, I set out the terms of reference of the Cross-Party Committee.

I look forward to receiving the advice of the Committee in due course.