asked the Minister for Justice if he will clarify the situation regarding an investigation by gardaí into the Gaming and Lotteries Act as applied by RTE to the running of quiz games on television and radio.
164.
Written Answers. - Gaming and Lotteries Act.
163.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the problems facing semi-State bodies such as RTE, CIE and the ESB in regard to quiz programmes and competitions which the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Garda are now investigating with regard to possible breaches of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956; if he intends to introduce legislation as a matter of urgency which would specifically resolve this problem by expanding the meaning of the word lottery in section 2 of that Act, in view of the adverse effects this problem is causing to the viewing ratings of programmes (details supplied) and the threat of prosecution to the programme makers involved, and other semi-State employees; and if he will make a statement in view of the urgency of this matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, following a complaint received by him concerning the enforcement of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956, the Director of Public Prosecutions requested the Commissioner to arrange for the investigation of any public lotteries which might appear to be in breach of that Act. I understand that the Garda have completed their investigations into some lotteries run by CIE, RTE and the ESB and that in the case of two of those bodies files on the matter are now being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a direction. In the case of the third body the file has already been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions and he has notified his decision to the Garda.
As stated by the Taoiseach on 23 January last, by my immediate predecessor as Minister for Justice on a number of occasions recently, and by me in reply to a written Dáil question on 18 February last, a general review of the gaming and lotteries legislation is being undertaken with a view to introducing amending legislation. In the review consideration will be given to any views which come to the notice of my Department concerning the operation of the existing legislation or suggested changes in the legislation.