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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Jul 1999

Vol. 507 No. 4

Written Answers. - Gaming and Lotteries Controls.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

207 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the raising to 18 years of the minimum age for all gambling; if he will refer this matter to the review of the legislation on gaming and lotteries which is currently under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17154/99]

I fully accept the need for appropriate controls and safeguards including age limits, in respect of gambling activities. I understand that this matter will be examined by the interdepartmental review group which I have recently established in order to undertake a review of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956, and whose report is due by the end of this year.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

208 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to gaming machine offences in the Dublin area; the number of offences to date in 1999; the policing of gaming halls; the extent of the problem of minors using these machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17155/99]

I am informed that the operation of gaming machines as defined in the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956, has been illegal in the Dublin area, with the exception of Skerries and Balbriggan, since part three of the Act was rescinded by the local authorities some years ago. Since then, machines marked "For Amusement Only" have replaced gaming machines. As I recently informed the House, I have established an interdepartmental group to undertake a review of the 1956 Act.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that four offences have been detected in the region to date this year, and six gaming machines have been seized.
I am assured by the Garda authorities that all senior officers within the Dublin area are aware of the need to actively enforce current legislation, and that amusement arcades receive regular attention from the gardaí.
There is no evidence available to the Garda authorities to suggest that there is a problem with minors using these machines in the Dublin region. While young people are attracted to the amusement arcades and bowling alleys where such machines are located, it should be borne in mind that these establishments also provide other types of amusement such as video game machines, snooker tables, etc.
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