asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that young children are availed of as messengers for the depositing of bets with bookmakers, and if so, if he will introduce proposals for legislation to amend the Betting Act, 1926, to prohibit the admission of young children to the premises of bookmakers.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CHILDREN AND BETTING.
This is the first time that I have heard it suggested that the practice in question existed to any appreciable extent. Such a practice is obviously undesirable and I propose to have full enquiries made in the matter. I do not know that I can promise that a Bill could reasonably be introduced for the sole purpose of dealing with such an abuse, but if the Betting Act, 1926, should require amendment in any other respects the opportunity would be taken to prohibit the admission of young persons to premises registered under that Act.