Finian McGrath
Question:106 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on a proposal to create 500 new jobs (details supplied). [31431/11]
View answerTuesday, 25 October 2011
Questions (91)
Written answers
This question relates to a submission by the Irish Bookmakers Association. The issues raised are being examined in the context of the proposed Betting (Amendment) Bill, which is being drafted at present. The Bill will amend the 1931 Betting Act to inter alia establish the regulatory framework for the licensing of remote bookmakers and betting exchanges, including measures to enforce the regulatory framework. The extension of the opening hours of retail betting shops over the winter period is also being considered in that context. The drafting of the Bill, which is fairly complex, is well advanced. The Finance Act 2011 provided measures for the extension of the 1% betting duty to remote bookmakers and a 15% gross profits tax to betting exchanges, subject to a Ministerial Commencement order that can only be commenced when the Betting (Amendment) Bill is enacted.