Written answers

Thursday, 13 May 2010

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Proposed Legislation

5:00 pm

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in of the major review of gambling announced by him in May 2010; when he expects the process to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19609/10]

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding plans to introduce new legislation governing gambling; his views on whether it is inappropriate for him to lobby in support of a casino development in the absence of this long-promised legislation the purpose of which may be to close the loopholes which casinos currently exploit in order to operate. [19656/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 80 together.

The consultation phase of the major review of gambling which I initiated has now been completed. The review will provide Government with options for a new and comprehensive legal and organisational framework governing the gambling architecture in the State. Three important considerations which are the hallmark of most well-regulated gambling codes inform the review. 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.

Following the settling of policy in relation to a new gambling architecture for the State, the House can expect the publication of legislative proposals in the normal course. I anticipate, however, that any new legislation will be both complex and comprehensive.

I totally reject the imputation that, as a public representative and a Minister, I am not entitled to support any worthwhile bona fide project nationally, or more importantly in my locality, which has the potential to create hundreds of jobs and boost the economy, subject to compliance with all planning and other regulations. It goes without saying that in advance of consideration of revision of our gaming laws by the Government, no decision has been taken in relation to legalising casinos in the State. I have previously stated that were any legislation introduced in this area, it would have to provide for a wholly independent licensing system, whereby the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform or any politician would have no role in the selection or licensing of specific casino developments. A fully statutory and independent adjudication process would be put in place for this purpose.

The proposed project in my constituency that is at the heart of the Deputy's baseless imputation is I understand, a phased development, concentrating on developing sport and leisure activities. I understand that the current planning application does not seek permission for the establishment of a casino as part of the complex. If the proposal did contain such a plan it would fail as the law, as it stands, does not permit such developments in the State. The group in question did not discuss with me good, bad or indifferent, the issue of a casino and I can confirm that my Department has not to date received any submission, as part of the major review of gambling, from the proposers of the sport and leisure development.

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