Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the betting sector has changed radically since the time that the Betting Act 1931 was written; his views on allowing shops to remain open until 10 pm during the winter months, as they already do during the summer, which would be a modest reform that would help to boost employment within the sector and add to the Exchequer returns for betting activity; his further views on a simple amendment to the legislation governing betting to allow for betting shops to open when racing in Ireland, either horse or greyhound, is taking place which is all that is required to unlock this additional employment and revenue generating potential in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22893/11]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to amend the law which governs the opening of bookmakers at certain times of the year. [22938/11]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to review the current legislation governing the opening hours of bookmakers. [23716/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 63 and 113 together.

The proposed Betting (Amendment) Bill, which is being drafted at present, will amend the 1931 Betting Act to inter alia establish the regulatory framework for the licensing of remote bookmakers and betting exchanges, including measures to enforce the regulatory framework. The extension of the opening hours of retail betting shops over the winter period is being considered in that context.

The drafting of the Bill, which is fairly complex, is well advanced. The Bill is likely to be published in the autumn.