Vol. 486 No. 6
293 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if any amendment to the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956 is required following a recent ruling of the European Commission regarding competition with the national lottery; if he will give an undertaking that any amendment to the Act will not be used to facilitate the introduction of licences for casinos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3346/98]
In a reasoned opinion issued by the European Commission on 3 February 1998, the Commission indicated its view that sections 26(1) and 34(1) of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956 are not compatible with Articles 59 to 66 of the European Communities Treaty. This opinion is currently being examined by my Department in conjunction with the Office of the Chief State Solicitor.
The sections of the Act referred to by the Commission have no bearing on the possible establishment of a casino in Ireland. In my reply to Question No. 76 of 2 December 1997, Official Report, vol. 483, col. 1369, I indicated that I have no proposals to introduce legislation allowing for the licensing of casinos.
