Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on his plans to draft a new Gambling Bill; when he hopes to bring forward such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28459/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will recall that in September 2011, I announced that the Government had agreed to my proposals for the preparation of new legislation on the regulation of gambling. As a result we now have an opportunity to address several areas that are not within the scope of the present laws and to bring our regulatory and enforcement systems into line with best international practice.

I am pleased to report that work on the preparation of the Heads of a Bill is at an advanced stage. I hope to be in a position to bring the Heads to Government later this year for its approval and agreement to proceed to have a Bill drafted. I can tell the Deputy that, subject to the agreement of the Government, I am prepared to make the Heads available on my Department's website when they have been approved by the Government and while drafting is underway.