asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the four main British bookmakers are endeavouring to gain a substantial share of the bookmakers' business in Ireland but particularly Dublin and that senior personnel from these bookmakers have had representatives in Ireland recently with a view to purchasing bookmakers' businesses; and if he intends to bring in any regulations or amending legislation to have the bookmakers' businesses maintained under the control of Irish citizens.
Written Answers. - Bookmakers' Licences.
70.
In so far as I have responsibility under the Betting Act, 1931, the position is as follows: I am not aware that the four main British bookmakers are involved in the activities claimed in the question. I am aware of newspaper reports concerning an alleged interest by British bookmakers in becoming involved in the bookmaking business in Ireland. One such firm has recently informed me that they are currently preparing an application for a certificate of fitness to the Garda under section 4 of the Betting Act, 1931. I have no role in relation to such applications. My role is confined to applications under section 5, and no application has been made to me under that section.
I cannot foretell what the outcome of the above mentioned application under section 4 — should it proceed — or of any other application, may be. Moreover, it would not fall to me to conclude in the light of that outcome whether the provisions of the Act generally, or those relating in particular to section 4 applications, are defective in any way. As far as applications to me under section 5 are concerned, I am satisfied that the law as it stands is adequate.