John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to bring forward proposals for a revised regulatory architecture for the online gambling industry in view of the number of high-value jobs that exist here in the online gambling and support services; his plans for a licensing regime for online gambling companies to allow for the taxation of online gambling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25050/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will see from the Government Legislative Programme for the Autumn 2011 Session that a new Gambling Bill is being prepared. It will provide for the licensing of online services as part of a major reform of the gambling laws. The collection of taxes in this area, as in all others. is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. However, I think their task will be eased when all operators are licensed, as will be the case under the new legislation.

In this legislation I aim to provide a well regulated system that is fair and transparent and that fosters safe and socially responsible gambling. Such an outcome would enhance our reputation. I'm sure large operators looking for a place to invest would be attracted by the system I aim to achieve. It would also improve our revenue yields and provide high quality employment.

John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 420: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions No. 120 of 21 April 2011 and No. 405 of 19 July 2011, if his attention has been drawn to the recent hearings on the withdrawal of a gaming operating licence in Alderney for a company (details supplied), a subsidiary of which employs 700 persons here; if he has had any contact with his counterpart with responsibility for that jurisdiction in respect of this action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25053/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The hearings to which the Deputy refers are being conducted by the Alderney Gaming Control Commission (AGCC). They are part of on-going legal processes in the Channel Islands (Alderney) following the decision by the AGCC to suspend the gaming licence for the company concerned. Legal proceedings are also underway in the USA. I am keeping in touch with developments, but, in light of the on-going legal processes, it would be inappropriate for me to comment at this stage. I understand when the hearings resumed yesterday, they were held in camera.

I hope to have an opportunity later this year to meet with the Minister from the Channel Islands with responsibility for the regulation of gambling, for a wide ranging discussion. I am, of course, aware of the subsidiary based here and I regret that, in the case of some of its employees, there is some uncertainty at present about their continued employment.

The Deputy will be aware from the Government Legislative Programme for the Autumn 2011 Session that a new Gambling Bill is being prepared. I can confirm that it will provide for the licensing of online services as part of a major reform of the gambling laws.