Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

487. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the appointment of a gambling regulator. [62562/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In October, the Government approved the publication of the General Scheme of the Gambling Regulation Bill. The General Scheme sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new independent, statutory body – the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (“the Authority”) – to implement a robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector.

I have written to the Joint Oireachtas Committee referring the General Scheme for pre-legislative scrutiny. The Authority is being established to focus on public safety and well-being, cover gambling online and in person, and will have the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps.

My Department has established a Programme Board to ensure that the legislation and the operational preparations are progressed in parallel so that the Authority commences operations as soon as possible after enactment. There is a pathway mapped for this legislation progressing, which will facilitate the Authority being established and operational in 2023.

The Authority, once established, will have a board and appointed CEO management / governance structure. As part of the preparations to establish the Authority, a CEO designate is currently being recruited.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have recently sanctioned the recruitment of the CEO Designate of the Gambling Regulatory Authority, and this process is being managed by the Public Appointments Service. The position will be advertised by way of open public competition, in line with general PAS procedures and public service recruitment principles. All eligible candidates, including those from outside the jurisdiction, are encouraged to apply for the position.

As part of Budget 2022, €500,000 has been allocated to meet the costs of appointing the CEO Designate as well as non-pay related costs in establishing the Authority. This is added to the initial seed funding of €200,000 in Budget 2021. This €700,000 will cover start-up costs including accommodation and professional services.