Vol. 571 No. 1
1221 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will examine the unsolicited posting of claims that persons had won money (details supplied), requiring expensive phone calls as a follow-up; if he has proposals to deal with such practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20852/03]
All lottery competitions must comply with current gaming and lotteries legislation. The Garda authorities have informed me that they have not, to date, received any direct complaints concerning this particular type of competition. On receipt of a complaint the matter would be fully investigated and the advice of the law officers sought. The recommendations of the report of the interdepartmental review group on the review of the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956-86 (published in June 2000) including those concerning the conduct of various categories of lottery are being examined. The Deputy will be aware that policy in relation to the postal and telecommunications services is a matter for the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Where premium rates are used such lotteries must have prior authorisation from the Regulator of Premium Rate Telecommunications Services Limited which was established under S.I. No. 194 of 1995.
