Gambling Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2019

Tuesday, 19 February 2019

Questions (286)

Mick Wallace

Question:

286. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 4 December 2018 and Parliamentary Question No. 432 of 15 January 2019, if he stands over his statement in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 4 December 2018 that all lawful gaming in amusement and gaming arcades here is confined to areas in respect of which Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 is in force in view of the fact that in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 432 of 15 January 2019, he states that he is advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are two premises in Dublin that either have a gaming licence and are licensed to make available for play or were so licensed up to a recent date in view of the fact that local authorities in Dublin have not passed resolutions to permit such gaming activity under Part III of the Act. [8121/19]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

In my response to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 4 December 2018, I set out the factual position regarding the provisions of Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 which provides for the lawful pathway for the licencing of gaming machines. This factual position has not changed.

I also highlighted the fact that my Department does not have any role in the licensing of gaming machines under Part III of the 1956 Act. That also remains the position.

In preparing a response to Question No. 435 of 15 January 2019, and in order to present the Deputy in question with the most complete information, my Department sought information from the Revenue Commissioners, who are the licensing authority for gaming machines. It was that information that was provided to the Deputy.

As neither I, nor my Department, is responsible for the issuing of gaming licences, I am not in a position to comment on any circumstances in which such licences may have been issued. I can only suggest that the Deputy makes enquiries of the Minister for Finance in that regard, given his oversight function in relation to the Revenue Commissioners.