Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans in relation to the introduction of the Gaming Bill; the matters that will be dealt with in the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39566/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy may recall my announcement in September 2011 that the Government had approved my proposals for new legislation on the regulation of gambling. Work has been underway in my Department since then on the preparation of the Heads of a Bill. I expect I will be in a position to bring the Heads to Government later this term for its approval and agreement to proceed to formal drafting.

The proposed new legislation will establish a new and comprehensive regulatory system for both betting and gaming under the collective term 'gambling'. The Deputy might wish to note that gaming includes lotteries other than the National Lottery. The new system will replace the arrangements currently in place under the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956; both Acts, as amended, are to be repealed by the new legislation. The Bill will, for the first time, set up a licensing system for small to medium sized casinos. It will also cover all forms of remote gambling, including gambling by telephone or on-line.

I have prioritised the need for effective safeguards and as a result the new legislation will contain numerous measures to protect consumers, in particular those persons who are vulnerable because they are young or have addiction or other difficulties. In line with the Government's decision, all regulatory functions, including licensing and compliance activities, will be brought together under the Minister for Justice and Equality.

I believe we now have an opportunity to frame a regulatory system appropriate to modern circumstances and it is clear to me that this opportunity should be used to maximum effect. I will therefore be open to proposals that will improve on the Heads and will be proposing to the Government that the Heads should be made available on my Department's website when they have been approved and while drafting is under way. This will allow interested parties to learn about the Government's overall position. It will also enable them to draw attention to issues that may need further consideration before a Bill is finalised.