Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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529.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the ban on under-18s being in a bookmakers provided for in the Betting Act 1931 will be maintained in the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas; if so, if this ban will also apply to under-18s being present at a greyhound track; if it does not apply to under-18s being present at a greyhound track, the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24799/24]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Gambling Regulation Bill is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities.

The legislation shall prohibit the participation of persons aged younger than 18 in gambling activities.

Section 172 of the Bill as approved by the Dáil provides that it shall be an offence for a licensee to permit a child onto a premises where gambling activities are being provided. This is a continuation of the policy provided in the Betting Act 1931 regarding the prohibition on children being present at a bookmaker’s premises. I would like to clarify that there will be no prohibition on children being present at greyhound racetracks during events. However, the Bill provides that children will be prohibited from taking part in gambling activities whilst there.