Darragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the draft heads of the Bill for the regulation of the gaming sector will be published in the first quarter of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46233/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 204 and 205 of 1 December last in which I outlined progress on the review of gambling being undertaken by my Department. The Deputy will note that the review of gambling is not yet completed. 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 of my Department to make every effort to provide me and the Government with policy options for a new gambling architecture, including a Draft Bill, within the time frame mentioned by the Deputy. The policy options will lead to the publication of a draft Bill. Ultimately, of course, it will be for Government to agree the policy approach to be legislated for in this area.