Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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335. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to establish a regulator; his views on a media report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30916/18]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that Government, on 10 January, 2018, approved the updating of the 2013 General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill. The proposed updating follows on from the review work undertaken in the Department of Justice and Equality and consultations with interested stakeholders. Changes to the Scheme will be subject to further consultations with the Office of the Attorney General and other relevant Departments.

The key element of the Government Decision of 10 January 2018 is the establishment of a new gambling regulatory authority as an independent statutory body under the auspices of the Department of Justice and Equality.

This approach to independent regulation is, I believe, critical for the development of modern gambling legislation. It mirrors the situation in most EU Member States and would bring Ireland in line with best international practice.

An independent regulator would offer assurance that decision-making would be free from any potentially undue influence.

Effective modern licensing, regulation and enforcement of the gambling industry will require additional significant resources, primarily for the operation of the new regulatory authority. Similar authorities in other EU Member States involve significant staff numbers and IT provision.

In the context of reviewing and updating the General Scheme in all necessary aspects, a Working Group, chaired by myself, comprising all stakeholder Departments, relevant Offices and the Office of the Attorney General has been meeting since February 2018.

I expect the Group to submit its report to Government in early Autumn, with work on a revised General Scheme to follow thereafter.

I am aware of the media report referred to by the Deputy and I am confident that the measures I will bring forward will help to address the issues contained therein.