Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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171. To ask the Minister for Finance the reason in the Betting Amendment Bill 2013 the word "bookmaker" is used instead of the word "layers"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39289/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Betting (Amendment) Bill published in July amends the Betting Act 1931 to include regulation and licensing requirements for the remote betting sector. The current legislation contains a definition of a bookmaker and the Betting (Amendment) Bill updates that definition as well as providing definitions of remote bookmakers and remote betting intermediaries (betting exchanges).

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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172. To ask the Minister for Finance regarding the Betting Amendment Bill 2013, the regulatory agencies and or committees, that will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39290/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013 which, once enacted, will establish the regulatory framework for the licensing regime of the betting sector, was published in July. This Bill sets out the enforcement and compliance measures in terms of licensing of traditional bookmakers and online bookmakers and betting intermediaries. Responsibility for the regulation of all bookmakers falls within the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality and Revenue depending on the type of business concerned. The Deputy will be aware that under the EU Technical Standards and Regulations Directive it was necessary to show the published Bill to the EU Commission and other Member States, which will take a minimum of 3 months for clearance.

As the Deputy may be aware, my colleague the Minister for Justice is currently working on a Gambling Control Bill which will provide for the regulation of all gambling in Ireland. Once this Bill is enacted it will lead to a regulated regime with an established regulator.