asked the Minister for Justice whether the proposal to establish a club with continental gaming facilities in Dublin has the approval of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Gaming Club.
26.
Mr. O'Leary
The Government's views on promotions of this kind were made known by me in a public statement issued to the press, radio and television on 6th May, 1965, when a report appeared in a cross-Channel newspaper that arrangements were being made for the establishment of a gambling club in Dublin. My statement indicated not only that such promotions would appear to contravene the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956, but also that the Government would not tolerate the establishment of any gaming club that might find a loophole in the law and that amending legislation would be introduced, if necessary, to prevent its establishment.
Later, inquiries privately addressed to my Department by persons interested in the promotion of gambling clubs in different parts of the country were answered similarly.
On 5th February last it was reported in the daily press that an application had been made in the Dublin Circuit Court with a view to the grant of a certificate under the Registration of Clubs Acts which would permit a body known as the Irish Sporting Club to have a premises in Merrion Square registered as a suitable premises in which intoxicating liquor could be sold. The newspaper reports indicated that the club would be used for gambling by members. On that occasion I had the solicitor for the promoters of the club warned by the Garda of the Government's views, and a copy of the official notice of 6th May, 1965, was given to him.
My attention has now been drawn to newspaper reports of last Saturday to the effect that circulars are being issued by the management of the Irish Sporting Club inviting several hundred persons to become members of a club in which gambling would be carried on, on payment of a subscription of five guineas each.
I can only repeat that the establishment of such a gambling club will not be tolerated and that, if necessary, legislation will be enacted to prevent it.