asked the Minister for Justice if he is considering the establishment of a gambling casino in Ireland or its islands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gambling Casinos.
118.
No.
I have read reports to this effect in the papers in relation to the south-west of Ireland. Is the Minister discounting these reports? I understand there was a problem in Donnybrook recently. There is no question of official Government approval of this type of activity?
No.
Could the Minister indicate whether a licence would have to be issued by him before such an establishement could be introduced here and if so whether there are any current applications for such a licence?
I understand that not only would a licence be needed but it would be necessary to amend the Gaming and Lotteries Acts. I have no proposals for any such amendment nor do I envisage making any such proposals to the Government. I have no requests to the moment to amend the law. From time to time inquiries are made about the possibility of amendment in this area and these inquiries are answered by indicating that there is no intention to make any such amendment.
Could the Minister give any assurance that the policy of all his predecessors to refuse to countenance any such proposals will be continued under his jurisdiction?
I have already indicated that I am not considering the establishment of any gambling casinos and it is not my intention to do so.