Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2023
253. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice her views on the recent ESRI survey which indicated that lotteries and scratch games make up the two highest rates of gambling participation in Ireland; if these figures are of concern to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45976/23]
View answerI note and welcome the Economic and Social Research Institute’s report on problem gambling, published on 5 October 2023.
Reform of gambling legislation, licensing and regulation is a priority for the Government and my Department. The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being from both an online and in-person perspective.
The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 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 including lotteries and other similar gambling activities permitted under the Bill and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.
At its core, this legislation is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities. My officials and I have engaged in extensive consultation with representatives from the industry, the charity sector, related sectors and as well as with professionals working in the area of problem gambling, persons adversely affected by the consequences of gambling and those with lived experience of problem gambling. The Bill completed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann on 11 July and is awaiting Report Stage.
The ESRI Report notes that the National Lottery is the largest provider of lotteries and scratch cards in the State and that charities, sports clubs and other local causes provide the remainder of lotteries and scratch cards.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Lottery and its activities comes under the remit of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. While the National Lottery will not fall under the remit of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, the operation of the National Lottery is subject to the provisions of the National Lottery Act 2013 and is already regulated by its own dedicated regulator - the Regulator of the National Lottery.
