Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 626: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Bingo Licences operating here; if his attention has been drawn to the growth of profit based Bingo companies; if he has any plans for reforming the issuing of such licenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36851/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Part IV of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 (as amended) provides for the licensing and conduct of lotteries (other than the National Lottery). However, as a result of the Supreme Court's judgement in Bolger v. Doherty (1965)(it held that bingo was a lottery), Part IV of the 1956 Act also applies to bingo.

Various types of lottery are catered for, one of which requires a permit from a Garda Superintendent (section 27), while another requires a licence from the district court (section 28). The remainder, in sections 23, 24 and 25, are subject to the provisions in those sections and to Part IV generally but they do not require permits or licences.

The legislation does not provide for a register of the permits or licences granted. As a result, I am unable at this time to provide the Deputy with details on the number of bingo licences operating here.

On the matter of profit - based bingo operations, I refer the Deputy to Section 28 of the 1956 Act. As noted earlier, it provides that lotteries (including bingo) having a prize fund of not more than €20,000 per week require a licence from the district court. However, the section adds that only those lotteries (including bingo) that are in aid of "some charitable or philanthropic purpose" may be granted a licence.

The interpretation of section 28 in so far as it concerns the 'purpose' of the lottery or bingo was a central issue in a recent case before the High Court. I understand that the High Court's judgement, including its interpretation of the 'purpose' provision, is being appealed by the State to the Supreme Court. Judgement is awaited.

Meanwhile, as the Deputy is aware, I am preparing comprehensive legislation to update the law on gambling, including bingo. I hope to bring the General Scheme of a new Bill to the Government in the autumn and to publish the Bill in 2013.