Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when he will publish the report on gambling; the discussions he has had in relation to a super casino proposal for County Tipperary with Department officials or lobbyist for the proposed developer himself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42869/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am now considering a report from my officials on a proposed policy for the better regulation of gambling. Following my consideration of the report, I will make the necessary arrangements to bring it before the Government. I have previously stated that it is my intention to publish the policy proposals which will be based on an examination of the submissions received as a result of the consultation process, 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. Pending a decision on the matter by the Government, I do not intend to make any further comment on the substance of the document under consideration.

I have not had any discussions with my officials in relation to the specific proposed venture in Co Tipperary. Neither have I had any discussions with any lobbyist for the developer, or indeed with the developer himself. I have been scrupulous in any dealings I have had in this matter since launching the review of gambling in May 2009. I am extremely conscious that there are strong views held on all sides; those who feel the market only should dictate how, where and when people might choose to gamble, on the one hand, to those, on the other hand, who quite legitimately point out the dangers associated with problem gambling.

As I have said more than once, my objective is to arrive at a code that recognises the fact that adults do gamble, that for many of them, indeed for the majority of them, gambling is an enjoyable past-time. However, problem gambling is also a fact and has the potential to ruin lives.

We must live in the real world: no gambling would mean no problem gambler, but that is not a feasible proposition as it would simply be driven underground. It is much better that gambling is regulated, that it is fair, that it is conducted honestly, and that children and the vulnerable are protected.