Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made on the review of gambling announced by him in May 2009; when he expects this process to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5604/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the major review of gambling currently under way in my Department is aimed at developing a new and comprehensive legal and organisational framework governing the gambling architecture in the State.

Any proposed new regulatory framework for gambling must be 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 initial consultation phase of the review process is now completed. Since 1 May, 2009, material on my Department's website in this connection was viewed over 3,800 times; there have been 200 individual response to the invitation to register on the website in order to obtain e-mail updates on the review process; 69 submissions have been received from interested organisations and individuals and over 50 face-to-face meetings have been held with interested parties.

My Department is now completing an examination of the submissions received. Based on that examination and taking account of the Report of the Casino Committee, Regulating Gaming in Ireland,I hope to be in a position to seek Government approval of policy proposals for a new gambling architecture in the State.