Vol. 452 No. 7
49 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has to change the current gaming laws with a view to licensing a proposed casino in Dublin city centre and in Castleknock; and if her attention has been drawn to the public opposition that would exist to such a course of action. [5911/95]
I have no proposals at present to amend the current gaming laws to provide for the licensing of casinos. However, I am aware that a number of proposals have been made to the Minister for Tourism and Trade from private investors for the development of casinos, as part of wider leisure or conference centres. I am also aware that there is some public opposition to the operation of a casino. I understand that the Minister for Tourism and Trade is examining the proposals made and it will be a matter for him to decide whether the proposed developments require to have a casino as part of the development to make them viable. I understand that he will be submitting his findings on this matter to Government for a decision.
Any decision to permit the operation of a casino in any part of the country will be a matter for careful consideration by the Government. A decision to permit the operation of a casino would require the provision of specific new legislation to regulate its operation.
