Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
491. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice to outline the full range of functions and responsibilities of the Gambling Regulator; who will issue licences; if local authorities will continue to have an input or role in the licence issuing process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31355/23]
View answerThe Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 was published on 2 December 2022 and is publicly available on the Oireachtas website. The Bill sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online, and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.
The Bill completed Second Stage in the Dáil on 6 December 2022. My Department is currently preparing amendments to the Bill for Committee Stage, which is expected to take place on 11 July 2023.
The proposed functions of the Authority are provided at section 14 of the Bill, including that the Authority will be the licensing authority for gambling services and activities in the State. Section 97 of the Bill provides that, with regard to assessment of suitability of premises where it is proposed to provide a gambling activity, the Authority shall consult with the local authority in the local authority area in which the premises concerned are located; this is separate to the powers held by local authorities with regard to planning permission.
