Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made on the review of gambling announced by him in May 2010; when he expects this process to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28350/10]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has been made in progressing a gambling bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28267/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 54 together.

The Deputy will be aware from my replies to previous Questions that the consultation phase of the major review of gambling, initiated by me, has drawn to a close. I was pleased that over 70 organisations and groups considered the topic important enough to submit written submissions, and that many followed up those submissions with face-to-face meetings with the review team. I have also indicated that I hope to be in a position to seek Government approval of policy proposals for a new gambling architecture in the State, following an evaluation of the material received. The policy proposals, which I would intend to publish, will be based on an examination of the submissions received, as well as the recommendations contained in the Report of the Casino Committee, Regulating Gaming in Ireland, and, of course, consideration of modern gambling regulation. The review team is currently engaged in developing the appropriate proposals for consideration.

Any new policy aimed at modernising our gambling code must take account of the challenges and threats, but also opportunities, presented by new technologies, particularly the internet. In addition, policy must also be premised on the 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.

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. As this will be the first comprehensive review of our gambling law, effectively since the enactment of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, it would be reasonable to expect that any new legislation would be complex and comprehensive.