Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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304. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in introducing legislation in respect of gaming (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9904/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill is with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting. This Bill will, upon enactment, replace all extant legislation in the areas of betting and gaming. The National Lottery is covered under a separate enactment and will not be affected by the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill.

There are currently 9 Bills in respect of legislative changes being brought forward by my Department on the "A" legislative list awaiting publication, with another 15 legislative proposals on the "B" list at various stages of drafting. I remain committed to advancing the Gambling Control legislation, although it is not possible at this point to indicate when the Bill is likely to be published.

I should point out that this Government is the first to bring forward wide ranging legislative proposals to update the law in this area.