Vol. 363 No. 5
asked the Minister for Justice if he will, in view of the Taoiseach's statement on Thursday, 23 January 1986 that the Gaming and Lotteries Bill, 1985, will not be proceeded with, replace it by a Gaming and Lotteries Bill entitled an Act to ban gaming machines in the State and that a fine of £20,000 and 12 months imprisonment be mandatory on any person found contravening this Act.
58.
asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the rising public consternation at the Government's intention to increase the limits of the stakes and the amounts that may be won in gaming permitted under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956, he will follow public opinion and ban this pervasive evil viz. gaming machines from our society.
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 58 together.
As stated by the Taoiseach in this House last Thursday, and by me on a number of occasions recently, a general review of the gaming and lotteries legislation is being undertaken with a view to introducing amending legislation. In the review, options for amending the existing legislation will be considered.
I could not in the context of parliamentary questions indicate what proposals I may bring forward for specific changes in the law relating to gaming and lotteries but no doubt, if the changes which I do propose do not meet with the Deputy's agreement, he will have the opportunity of putting down amendments.
