Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2019
269. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to prohibit or limit the broadcasting of advertisements by gambling companies on television during certain hours of the day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39553/19]
View answerThe responsibility with regard to the broadcasting of any type of advertisement material during television broadcasts is a matter for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Television and radio advertising of all products and services, including gambling products is regulated by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland which is the independent regulator of that sector. I understand that Authority has intervened with gambling companies where it concluded that advertisements on Irish media were not adhering to its regulations. The Authority is not in a position to intervene with foreign-based radio or TV channels, as it does not have jurisdiction.
In its report of March 2019, the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Future Licensing and Regulation of Gambling considered this issue and whether effective and appropriate measures in this regard could be developed in the future.
