Written answers

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Department of Justice and Equality

Gambling Legislation

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the proposed Gambling Bill; the progress that has been made by his Department for the establishment of a gambling and gaming regulator; the organisational structure of the proposed regulator; the proposed remit of such a regulator; the powers that will be vested in the regulator; if his Department has or will be undertaking consultation before the establishment of such a regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57841/12]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will recall my announcement in September 2011 that the Government had approved my proposals for new legislation on the regulation of gambling. My Department has since then been preparing the heads of a new Bill. I hope to be able to bring the heads to Government shortly for its approval and agreement to proceed to formal drafting.

I can say, subject to the Government's agreement, that there will be a new central regulatory body with responsibility for the licensing of gambling activities and operations. It will also have full inspection and enforcement powers. This new unified system will replace the separate systems still in place for betting and gaming under the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, as amended. The regulator's responsibilities will extend to the regulation of land-based outlets, including modest-sized casinos, as well as services offered by telephone, internet, interactive TV or by any other electronic means.

My Department has at all times maintained an open and proper relationship with the gambling sector. It conducted a formal consultation process in 2010 and it made submissions available on its website. It has, at their request, met several organisations and individuals in the period since the Government agreed in 2011 to prepare new legislation. Looking ahead, I am planning to make the heads of the Bill available on my Department's website once they have been approved by the Government and my officials will be pleased to receive comments on them at that time.

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