Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 December 2007
235 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if consideration was given to amend legislation to permit casino gaming during the 1989 to 1994 period; the involvement of the national lottery and himself in this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33144/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should be aware that for the period in question I would not have had any involvement in the matter raised by him. The Deputy may also be aware that in 1995 following receipt of a proposal for the development of a National Convention Centre which included a casino element, the then Rainbow Coalition Government requested the Minister for Finance to establish an inter-Agency Task Force to examine all aspects of the question of the possible licensing of casinos. I understand that my Department was represented on that inter-Agency Task Force chaired by the Department of Finance. The Government following consideration of the report in June 1996 decided not to give further consideration to the introduction of legislation to provide for casinos.
As the National Lottery comes under the aegis of the Department of Finance, the Deputy should address any question relating to it to the Minister for Finance.
