Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 March 2013
248. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the methods that will be used to identify and protect minors in relation to gambling issues; the number of Gardai inspections that have taken place since the establishment of the casino gaming controls section of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15463/13]
View answerI expect to be in a position quite soon to provide the information sought by the Deputy on the methods to be used to identify and protect minors in relation to gambling. However, I am unable to do so at this point since I have not yet obtained the Government's approval for my proposals. The proposals are in the General Scheme of the proposed Gambling Control Bill which I hope to present to the Government within the coming weeks. I plan to make the Scheme available on my Department's website once it has been approved.
I can, however, say at this stage that the new legislation will strengthen the protections available to consumers generally, with additional measures being included that are aimed at protecting vulnerable persons; that term refers primarily to persons under 18 years and to persons who have developed gambling problems, including addiction.
I envisage a new inspection team whose major task will be to monitor compliance by licence holders with the terms of their licence and with the new legislation generally. It will have strong enforcement powers. Licence holders, for their part, will be required to train staff on how to spot problem or excessive gambling and on how and when to intervene.There will be prohibitions on the employment of young persons, they will not be permitted to participate in gambling, there will be arrangements for age verification checks.
I believe that the industry must accept greater responsibility for the down - side of gambling. One of the ways in which this will be done is to require licence holders to contribute to a social responsibility fund, the aim of the fund being to support research, education and treatment programmes. I will also be proposing restrictions on advertising, promoting and sponsoring of events by licence holders if these activities are targeted at young people.
The examples I have mentioned give an indication of the comprehensive scale of the planned measures. However, we are all aware that regardless of whatever the law might provide, there will be particular difficulties in enforcing age and identity checks in the case of online gambling, much of which will be done from home. It therefore seems clear to me that the effective enforcement of rules and procedures for online gambling will require the active involvement of parents and others, particularly teachers. This may mean that parents must monitor the young person's internet and telephone usage and they must never share their PIN or similar number with anyone under 18 years.
I have requested information on the number of inspections by Gardaí of gaming establishments. I will communicate with the Deputy when it becomes available.
The Deputy's question appears to suggest some linkage between the discharge by the Gardai of their functions and the existence of a particular unit in my Department. It is very important that there should be clarity about the respective roles and functions of the Gardaí and of the named unit, or any other part of the Department. I have already referred to the creation of, in effect, a new, dedicated inspectorate under the new legislation; it will probably take over many of the roles currently assigned to the Gardaí and others. However, pending the enactment and coming into force of the new systems, the enforcement of the current law will continue to be a matter primarily for the Garda Síochána, although the Revenue Commissioners also have certain functions. The Garda Síochána is, of course, independent in the discharge of the duties imposed on it by law. It makes its own determinations on operational grounds, taking account of general priorities, the resources available and other relevant factors.
The Casino and Gaming Control Section in my Department, on the other hand, has no function in relation to law enforcement. Its functions include advising me of developments in the sector, formulating general policy, conducting consultations, such as the public consultation in 2010, the preparation of draft legislation, as well as specific statutory functions such as the preparation of Certificates of Personal Fitness in the case of certain applicants for bookmakers' licences under the Betting Act 1931. The Section operates in accordance with the practices and procedures applicable to the public service generally.
