Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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180. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on a media report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30910/18]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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181. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on an article in the media (details supplied); if he is satisfied that all relevant agencies including the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána and local authorities are properly regulating this growing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30911/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.

I am aware of the media reports referred to by the Deputy but I have no comment to make in so far as these reports refer to the business affairs of private individuals.

Any gaming machine which is made available for play in a public place, must have a valid Excise licence which is issued by Revenue and known as a ‘Gaming Machine Licence’.  A Gaming Machine Licence can only be issued by Revenue to a person who holds a ‘Gaming Licence’ under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 for each premises where gaming is taking place.  A ‘Gaming Licence’ can only be issued by Revenue on production by the applicant of a certificate granted by the District Court under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 which authorises the issue of a Gaming Licence for the premises in question.

In addition, Revenue also requires payment of the relevant excise licence fee and compliance with tax clearance requirements before a Gaming Machine Licence (for each machine) or a Gaming Licence (for premises) can be issued.

I am advised that in 2017 Revenue started a national compliance project on the gaming and amusement machine sector, which is designed to identify and tackle non-compliance with tax and excise licensing obligations. This project is ongoing across all regions and to date site visits have been carried out by Revenue officials to 285 separate premises. A range of follow-up actions are being pursued with respect to the tax and licensing issues identified, including seizure of unlicensed gaming machines where necessary.

I am also advised that legislative proposals are being developed at present for the gambling sector  by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.  To support this process, the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality has recently chaired a Gambling Regulation Working Group which has met on 5 occasions since January 2018, with the final meeting taking place last month.  All relevant Government Departments, an Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners have taken part in the Working Group.  I understand that a report for Government is now being prepared by the Minister of State on foot of the group’s discussions.