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Gambling Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2013

Wednesday, 16 October 2013

Questions (108)

Finian McGrath

Question:

108. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will support a matter (details supplied) on fixed odds betting terminals in the Gaming Bill [43879/13]

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Written answers

The matter referred to by the Deputy arises from correspondence between an interested party and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality and concerns that Committee's hearings on the General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill. The Deputy will be aware that I, as Minister, have no role in relation to the conduct of business by Committees and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the correspondence in question.

However, on the question of the Scheme's treatment of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, I draw attention to Head 49, in particular to paragraphs (2) and (7) of that Head. Paragraph (7) provides for a ban on FOBT in this jurisdiction and gives effect to the Government's policy on FOBT. Paragraph (2) provides powers to 'prohibit or restrict' any device, game, etc. It is available to deal with as yet unknown risks, be they from new devices, games, etc that may emerge in the future or from existing devices, etc where new evidence demonstrates a serious risk of harm. As can be seen, Head 49 provides a mechanism that will ensure a high level of protection for consumers when the evidence supports the need for action.

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