Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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483. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the progress of the Gambling Control Bill 2013; the timeframe for the progression of the bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45784/17]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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484. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which the Gambling Control Bill 2013 will protect children and young persons from the dangers of gambling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45785/17]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 483 and 484 together.

The General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill was published in July 2013 following approval by the Government. The Bill, as proposed, will update all existing laws on the regulation and licensing of gambling activities, including betting and gaming. The Scheme does not include the National Lottery whose activities are separately regulated under the National Lotteries Act 2013.  

Having been given special responsibility in this area, I am working to ensure that legislation providing for the regulation of the gambling sector can be published at the earliest opportunity.  

With regard to the specific point raised by the Deputy, the new legislation to regulate the gambling sector will have consumer protection generally as one of its core principles, and it will include necessary measures aimed at assisting and protecting vulnerable persons, including young persons and children.  

For example, the Bill will include prohibitions on the employment of young persons in the industry, they will not be permitted to participate in gambling and there will be arrangements for age verification checks by licence holders. The regulatory body proposed in the legislation will have an inspection role to ensure compliance by licence holders with the terms of their licence and with the new legislation generally. In addition, restrictions are proposed on advertising, promoting and sponsoring of events by licence holders to ensure that these activities should not be targeted at young people. However, the Deputy will appreciate that such restrictions need to be carefully thought through to prevent unintended consequences.  

The General Scheme also proposes the establishment of a Fund to aid research, education and awareness activities. The Fund will be based on contributions from the industry, but the proposals will ensure independent supervision of the disbursement of monies collected. I would envisage educational efforts with regard to gambling will be directed towards young people.

Finally, I should mention, that the Civil Law and Courts (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017, now under preparation, will impose a standard age of 18 years for participation in gambling activities. In recognition of that, Tote Ireland recently announced that it has implemented this age limit from 1 October. Previously no age limit applied to betting on the Tote.