Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 1

Written Answers. - Bookmakers' Opening Hours.

Michael Bell

Question:

82 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether it is time to urgently review existing regulations to allow bookmakers to have flexibility in relation to opening hours in view of the number of night race meetings both in the United Kingdom and in Ireland and in relation to the number of racing meetings taking place on Sundays; his views on whether this will enhance the revenue from the horse racing and greyhound industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17173/97]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 20 of 8 October 1997 on this topic. I reiterate that the permitted hours for boookmakers' registered premises are set out in section 21 of the Betting Act, 1931. Enforcement of the opening hours restrictions is a matter for the Garda Síochána.

As also mentioned in the reply, I have no difficulty with reviewing the present opening hours. I have written to my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the issue. As any such extension could have public order implications, I would like to await the views of the Minister before progressing the matter further.