asked the Minister for Justice if he has any plans to control or regulate the operation of pool rooms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pool Rooms.
9.
I have no such proposal in mind.
Is the Minister aware that these pool halls are springing up throughout Dublin and that this situation is causing much concern to parents? Perhaps the Minister should consider the situation at this stage since the problems associated with these establishments are quite serious in the social sense. I am sure that the Garda authorities would support any action in relation to control in this regard.
I am aware that there has been a considerable increase in the number of pool rooms not merely in Dublin but in other parts of the country but there is nothing unlawful or illegal in that as such. However, should any abuse or unlawful activity be associated with them, I have no doubt that the police would take appropriate action and should anything of that nature be brought to my attention I would pass it to the Garda for attention.
It has not been suggested that there is anything illegal in regard to these establishments but there are controls in this regard in public houses and bookmakers' premises and for very good reason. Some similar type of control should operate in these pool rooms. In the event of the Minister consulting the gardaí at Kevin Street who are concerned about the large number of pool rooms in their area, he would find that they would welcome some type of control as they are not very happy regarding the operations of these places.
Apart from an indication of a certain unease regarding the growth in the number of pool rooms, I have not had any specific complaints regarding their operations or to the effect that they are leading to undesirable developments. The Garda will keep under observation any such development and should there be any undesirable trend which would require remedial, legislative action they would be in touch with me and I should be able to move on it then.
(Dublin Central): Is the Minister aware of the amount of disquiet throughout Dublin because of the indiscriminate opening of these pools in increasing numbers and with total disregard as to where they are being sited? Much concern is being expressed by residents in various areas in regard to this matter. Therefore, I am surprised to hear that the Minister has no proposals for some type of controlling legislation. It is obvious that in the absence of surveillance many of these establishments will be put into operation in residential parts of the city.
This is leading to argument. May we have a question, please?
It is important that this matter be kept in perspective. Deputy O'Brien has raised the issue and has made it clear that there is some disquiet about the situation but we must remember that the game is lawful. It is a form of billiards and there is nothing illegal about that game.
Neither is there anything illegal about bookmakers' premises or public houses.
Has the Minister any information to indicate the number of pool rooms in operation first, in Dublin and, secondly, in the provinces?
I would have no idea as to the numbers but that is information that can be ascertained from the planning authority whose permission to open such pools must be obtained.
For many years citizens have been crying out for greater sports facilities for young people in order that they might be kept off the streets. Since the game in question is one that has been popularised by way of world television series and since it is a game that is perfectly legal——
Has the Deputy a question?
——would the Minister not consider it desirable that there be an increase in sporting facilities?
This is another point of view and it is a valid one.
Having regard to the point made by Deputy O'Brien that, although the game is legal and lawful, there is disquiet about certain happenings in connection with these pool rooms, would the Minister, instead of waiting for complaints, initiate some inquiries with the Garda, particularly in Dublin and then consider the position further?
The Deputy may take it that I keep in touch with the Garda on matters such as these and on matters generally that are the subjects of Question Time. Regarding the establishments we are talking of here, I have not received any information that would indicate a necessity for legislative action but the matter is kept under review.
(Dublin Central): Is the Minister prepared——
This must be a very brief supplementary.
(Dublin Central):—— to assure us that in the event of the situation getting out of control, he will introduce legislation to limit the number of these establishments?
Yes.
He would need to start by finding out how many are in existence.
Any legislation in this area would depend on the amount of abuse to be remedied and this might not necessarily involve limiting the number of venues.
Perhaps what would be required would be a control of the number of licences issued each year.
That might have to be considered.