Seán Power
Question:75 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Finance which Minister has responsibility for the Betting Act; and the consideration, if any, which has been given to amending the Act. [4500/00]
Written Answers. - Betting Act.
In the Betting Act, 1931, the expression "the Minister" means the Minister for Finance. In general, the functions of the Minister for Finance are carried out by the Revenue Commissioners. However, as the Deputy will be aware from a reading of the Act, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform also has a role and responsibility in relation to the implementation of certain provisions of the Act. In sections 23, 29 and 34 of the Act there is a reference to officers of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs. These officers would now be employees of An Post or Eircom.
During the years amendments have been made to the Betting Act by way of the Finance Acts, the most recent amendment being the extension of the hours of business for registered premises introduced in the 1998 Finance Act. I have no further proposals under consideration at this stage to amend the Act.