Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is no doubt aware and as I have pointed out on previous occasions in this House, it is a matter for the Garda Síochána, under the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956 to 2003, to investigate breaches of the legislation and to take whatever action is deemed appropriate. I have been assured that such premises receive Garda attention and if breaches of the legislation are detected appropriate action is taken. Again, I invite the Deputy, if she has information about any specific breaches of the relevant provisions of the Acts, to bring this to the attention of the Gardaí, alternatively I would be happy to forward the information to the Garda authorities on her behalf.

I recognise, of course, that the law governing gaming is somewhat outdated and could be modernised to reflect the realities of a modern gaming sector, including gaming over the internet. The review of gambling underway in my Department therefore, addresses reform of this and other sectors. The consultation phase of the review has now been completed. The review will, in due course, provide Government with options for a new and comprehensive legal and organisational framework governing the gambling architecture in the State.