Mark Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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683. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of money collected to date by the social impact fund under the gambling regulation act 2024; the amount expected by the end of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25697/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The development and rollout of a Social Impact Fund is a key priority for the recently established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. The new fund will invest in educational and awareness initiatives, research and training. Public and private bodies which support people with experience of gambling harm and/or gambling addiction through treatment will also benefit from the fund.

The regulator will apply an annual Social Impact Fund contribution on licensed commercial gambling providers based on the turnover of each business.

The development of the fund is being assisted by Pobal and in collaboration with communities and local organisations to support social inclusion and local and community development. A consultation process through a ‘Call for Input’ concluded on 15 May 2025, with details published online: Social Impact Fund - Call for Input | Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. (www.grai.ie/social-impact-fund/social-impact-fund-call-for-input).

In line with section 54 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, the amount of contribution from licensed commercial gambling providers will be set out in regulations based on a percentage of licensees’ turnover. Work is ongoing to inform the overall strategy for the fund, including an initial assessment of the level of need and evaluating priorities around the allocation of funding. This will assist in determining the appropriate percentage level for annual contributions by licensees, which is expected to be decided later this year.

Having regard to preparations necessary before the Social Impact Fund can become operational, it is anticipated that contributions from commercial gambling providers included in the first phase of the GRAI’s Licensing regime will commence from mid-2026.