Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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61. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide an update on the progress made with regard to the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60498/22]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government gives a clear commitment to establish a gambling regulator focused on public safety and well being, covering gambling online and in person, and the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps.

As you will be aware, the Gambling Regulation Bill was approved by Government on the 15th of November. There is a pathway mapped for this legislation progressing which, with the cooperation of the Houses of the Oireachtas, will facilitate the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland being established in 2023.

In October 2021, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform sanctioned the recruitment of the CEO Designate of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. I am pleased to say that process has now completed and as of 8 September 2022, the CEO Designate was appointed and has assumed her duties. The CEO designate will be preparing for the establishment of the Authority while the legislation is enacted.

A Programme Board has been established in my Department to ensure that the legislation and the operational preparations are progressed in parallel so that the Authority commences operations, on a phased basis, as soon as possible after enactment.