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

I note and welcome the Economic and Social Research Institute’s report on problem gambling, published on 5 October 2023.

The ESRI’s latest Report and the ESRI’s Literature Review on problem gambling, published in June 2023, underscore the need to recognise and meaningfully confront problem gambling and the harms it causes.

The ESRI’s research reinforces the requirement to ensure that there is a system in place for the proper regulation of the gambling sector in our society.

Reform of gambling legislation, licensing and regulation is a priority for the Government and my Department. The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being from both an online and in-person perspective.

The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online, and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.

The Government approved publication of the General Scheme of the Bill in October 2021. In May 2022, the Committee published its report of its pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Bill. The Bill was approved for publication in November 2022, completed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann in December 2022 and Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann on 11 July 2023. My Department is currently preparing for Report Stage. Once passed by the Dáil, the Bill will go to the Seanad where it will undergo further legislative scrutiny.

Subject to the support of both Houses of the Oireachtas, the aim is for the Bill to complete its journey through the Oireachtas in the coming months.

At its core, this legislation is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities. My officials and I have engaged in extensive consultation with representatives from the industry, the charity sector, related sectors and as well as with professionals working in the area of problem gambling, persons adversely affected by the consequences of gambling and those with lived experience of problem gambling.

Again, I welcome the publication of this Report.