Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:12 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice the steps, if any, she proposes to take to assist in the setting up of casinos; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Operation of Casinos.
Representations have been made from time to time for the amendment of the existing gaming and lotteries legislation so as to allow for the establishment of casinos.
Successive Ministers for Justice have opposed such a change on the basis that the negative social consequences of introducing a new dimension in gambling would far outweigh any economic benefits which might accrue. In this regard, I would remind the Deputy of the considerable public disquiet which arose in the recent past in relation to young persons becoming addicted to gaming machines and the subsequent decision by many local authorities to rescind earlier resolutions to allow gaming in their areas.
I do not, therefore, propose to approach the Government with proposals for a change in the law to permit the operation of casinos in this country.
Has the Minister received any specific representations or applications for permission to operate casinos in any part of the country?
To my knowledge, no. The only aspect to which I would refer the Deputy is a recent report of the Tourism Task Force, which recommended that the feasibility of establishing casinos should be fully investigated. The Department of Tourism and Trade has consulted my Department in this matter. My Department is consulting the Garda Síochána at present and a reply is awaited. When the issue was most recently mooted, in 1987-88, the Garda Síochána was consulted and was very much opposed to the introduction of casinos.
I am pleased with the Minister's general reply. I gather from the way in which he has replied that his answer to the question is in the negative. I share the Minister's views. Would the Minister confirm that the most socially deprived are most vulnerable and suffer most from the operation of casinos? It should be remembered that the machines are pre-set and are merely profit spinners for a tiny number of people. Would the Minister make sure that any feasibility study carried out takes into account the views of social workers and others who would deal with the social aspects and the consequences of the issuing of more licences?
I am happy to give the Deputy that assurance.
Could the Minister assure the House that the regulations concerning existing gambling machines are being applied in Dublin? Is the Minister able to confirm that the law is not being broken or being ignored?
As Deputy Mitchell will know, the local authority in Dublin rescinded an earlier decision taken under Part III of the 1956 gaming and lotteries legislation to allow gaming to take place in the area covered by the local authority. I understand that there have been several appeals to the courts against the local authority decision and that one of the factors being raised in the appeals is that the meeting at which it was decided to rescind the earlier decision was not properly called. Of course, those who have made appeals are continuing to operate their machines while the appeals are pending. In other areas recourse has been had to the courts by people trying to stay in operation after a date on which they should have closed down. It may be that consideration has to be given to amending the legislation passed in 1956 and 1986 with a view to the imposition of greater controls to ensure that the legislation we have is properly enforced.
I agree generally with the Minister's reply in relation to casinos. Concerning my supplementary question, does the Minister know that the Garda Síochána has been forced to return gambling machines to some Dublin operators?
I am not so aware and I am extremely perturbed to hear that that is so. It may be that machines have had to be returned because appeals to the courts are pending and those who are making the appeals are entitled to continue in operation until an appeal is decided.