Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date on publishing legislation to regulate the gaming sector; when this legislation will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44033/09]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the forthcoming legislation in the area of gaming will address the issues of problem gambling and the services which are provided to problem users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44034/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.

The wide-ranging review of gambling currently underway in my Department has the objective of providing Government with options for a new and comprehensive legal and organisational framework governing the gambling architecture in the State.

The initial consultation phase of the review process is now almost completed and since 1 May last the gambling material on my Department's website was viewed over 3,800 times; over 170 people / organisations have responded to the invitation to register on the website in order to obtain e-mail updates on the review process; over 60 submissions have been received from interested organisations and individuals (with a number of interested parties seeking a time extension in order to contribute to the review) and in the region of 50 meetings have been held with interested parties.

My Department will, with the benefit of the consultation process and an examination of the submissions received, develop legislative proposals based on three important considerations which are the hallmark of most well-regulated gambling codes. These are: that young people and the vulnerable are protected that gambling should in all respects be fairly and openly conducted, and that gambling is kept free of crime

The proposed new gambling code will recognise the fact that people gamble and enjoy gambling and at the same time acknowledge that there are inherent dangers involved that need to be addressed, not least in terms of problem gambling. I wish to assure the Deputy that the protection of young people and the vulnerable is foremost in my mind. For the first time, therefore, our legislation governing gambling, including gambling by remote means such as the internet, will include measures aimed at mitigating the effects of problem gambling. All organisations licensed by the new legislation to sell or otherwise provide gambling products to the population generally will be obliged to adopt mandatory codes of practice and procedures addressing this issue. I am certain of one thing, it is only through strict regulation that the downsides of gambling will be addressed.

The Deputy will appreciate that developing a revised gambling code that is capable of generating broad public support is a complex task. Notwithstanding that, I have instructed the Casino Gaming Control Section to make every effort to provide me with policy options for a new gambling architecture with all possible expedition. The policy options will lead to the publication of a draft Bill on the subject. Ultimately, of course, it will be for Government to agree the policy approach to be legislated for in this area.