asked the Minister for Justice the reason the law relating to gaming machines is not being enforced; the policy of the Government in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
38.
Written Answers. - Gaming Machine Laws.
20.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions initiated by the Garda for breaches of the gaming laws in each of the past three years; if, in view of the judgment given by the Supreme Court on 23 March 1988 any additional action is planned by the Garda to deal with illegal gaming; if he has any plans to amend the law relating to gaming; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
51.
asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the law in relation to the operation of slot machines is being broken by some proprietors; and the action he intends to take in this matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 38 and 51 together.
A certain amount of ambiguity relating to the Gaming and Lotteries Acts has been removed as a result of recent Supreme Court judgments and any doubts that may have been inhibiting Garda enforcement of the legislation have now been removed. Accordingly, I am satisfied that the law in this area is being enforced by the Garda Síochána in an active and dedicated manner.
The information sought in relation to breaches of the gaming laws is not available in the form requested by the Deputy. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the numbers of detections of breaches of the Acts are as follows: 1985, 678; 1986, 868; 1987, 127.
As I have said on a number of occasions in the House I could not indicate by way of a reply to a Dáil question what specific legislative proposals I might have in a particular area. Any proposals I may have will be announced in the ordinary way in due course following Government approval.