Vol. 331 No. 12
asked the Minister for Justice the steps it is proposed to take to combat the apparent abuse of the law which is taking place in respect of the use of slot machines in Dublin; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that prizes in excess of the legally permitted amount are being offered as the jackpot; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
116.
asked the Minister for Justice whether he proposes to introduce legislation to increase the value of gaming stakes and prizes in line with inflation so as to restore the real value of stakes and prizes under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956, and thereby discourage unlawful gaming.
117.
asked the Minister for Justice the maximum jack-pot prize which can be won in licensed slot or gaming machines; and if he is satisfied that this limit is not being exceeded on a widespread scale.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 116 and 117 together.
In accordance with section 14 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956, where gaming is carried on under licence no player may win more than 50p in each game.
The Garda Síochána have instructions to take a particular interest in the enforcement of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, with special attention to the use of gaming machines operating above the legal maximum limits allowed for stakes and payout.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in the Dublin Metropolitan Area there were 44 prosecutions for breaches of the Acts in 1980 and 22 prosecutions in 1981, up to the end of October. I should add that a number of prosecutions stand adjourned at present in the District Court awaiting the outcome of a case stated to the High Court. Over the years there has been a recurring problem of District Court prosecutions being delayed on the basis that decisions in similar cases are pending in a superior court, but it is hoped that the problem may be eased in the future as a result of instructions which have recently been issued by Garda Headquarters to members of the Force about legal steps to be taken to counter applications made by defendants for adjournments in such circumstances.
I can assure the House that the Garda have my full support in their efforts to eliminate abuses of the gaming laws.
I have received various proposals for the amendment of the Gaming and Lotteries Acts, some of them concerning the maximum stake and prize money. I am examining all of these proposals but I am not yet in a position to say what recommendations I will be making in the matter.
