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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 5

Written Answers. - Gaming and Lotteries Legislation.

Jim Higgins

Question:

105 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the stakes and prize limits for gaming machines as set out in the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956, are seriously out of date; and, if so, if he will introduce amending legislation. [12527/98]

I accept that a comprehensive reassessment of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956, is needed. I have, accordingly, instructed my Department to initiate a review of the 1956 Act during 1998.

The Deputy's concerns about the stake and prize limits for gaming machines will be addressed in the course of that review.

Jim Higgins

Question:

106 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions issued under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956; and the number of convictions obtained on foot of these. [12528/98]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, in the calendar year 1997, there were 36 detections of breaches of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956 in relation to offences in public houses, hotels, licensed clubs or other premises. Prosecutions were brought in 29 cases and, in seven cases, the Garda Síochána issued a caution. In the period January to April 1998, there were 11 detections for similar offences all of which were prosecuted. However details of persons convicted on foot of the foregoing prosecutions are not readily available.

The Garda authorities have also indicated that figures along the above lines are not readily available for years prior to 1997 or in relation to breaches of the Act other than those mentioned above.

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