Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 4

Written Answers. - Bookmakers' Licences.

Noel Ahern

Question:

115 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, in view of the Government's promise to introduce freedom of information legislation, if it will include amendments of the Data Protection Act, 1988, to allow provision of information in relation to the name of the holder of a bookmaker's licence and the dates for which the licence was held in view of a case where a person had a multiple bet on several major sporting events spread over a few months but was told the licence holder had changed when he went to collect his winnings. [2319/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am aware of the background to the particular case to which the Deputy refers and of replies to previous parliamentary questions on 30 June 1994 — volume 444 columns 1701-1702 — and on 27 October 1994 — volume 446 columns 1297-1298 — which the Deputy tabled to my predecessor in the matter.

As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware, the Government's Policy AgreementA Government of Renewal contains a commitment to review and update the Data Protection Act, 1988.

Any proposals which may emerge will be announced in the usual manner in due course.