Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 21: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the progress of the major review of gambling announced in May 2010; when he expects the process to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35381/10]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 50: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when the consultation phase of the review of gambling in Ireland was completed; when the casino gaming control section was established in his Department; when he expects to publish his policy on regulating gaming in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35227/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 50 together.

I launched the review of gambling in May of last year. The Casino Gaming Control Section of my Department was established from within the existing resources of my Department at that time to manage the review process. This Section also deals with all matters arising from my Department's current responsibility for the Gaming and Lotteries Acts, 1956 to 2003. The objective of the wide-ranging review is to provide Government with options for a new and comprehensive legal and organisational framework governing the gambling architecture in the State. Consultation was and continues to be an essential part of the review process. Written submissions were requested with a deadline for receipt of 30 September 2009, though the review team does not ignore submissions received, even at this late stage.

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.

It is a matter of record that Governments of different hues have shied away from attempting any significant reform of our gambling laws since our existing gaming and lotteries legislation was enacted over 50 years ago. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, I am resolved to make our gambling laws relevant to the 21st century. In light of this commitment, I make no apology for taking the time to make sure this is done effectively. We must first achieve a policy in relation to a new gambling architecture that is capable of broad spectrum agreement and it is when this goal is achieved that we will be in a position to address the matter of legislative change, with some degree of confidence.

Any such 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 that policy, arrangements will be made in the normal course to address the necessary legislative change. As the first comprehensive review of our gambling law, effectively since the enactment of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 draws to a close, it is reasonable to expect that any new legislation that may arise, will be both complex and comprehensive.