Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will undertake to carry out a survey into the prevalence of problem gambling; the supports in place for persons with problem or addictive gambling; the responsibility and contribution of the industry towards supporting those with problem or addictive gambling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20493/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have responsibility for the regulation of Gaming and Lotteries under the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956 to 2003. My colleague, the Minister for Finance has responsibility for Betting under the Betting Acts 1931 and 1994, as amended and for the National Lottery under the National Lottery Act 1986.

The current arrangements governing gaming and lotteries do not provide me with the facility to conduct the type of research - some of which could be of a clinical nature - envisaged by the Deputy. However, as the Deputy is aware, I have initiated a major review of gambling from within my own Department. 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.

The consultation phase of the review has now been completed. 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 envisage that the costs associated with ensuring adherence to standards are met by the industry as part of the licensing arrangements, and that in that context the industry contributes the cost of properly commissioned and independently undertaken research into aspects of gambling, particularly into problem and compulsive gambling.