Jack Chambers
Ceist:92. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures she will introduce to prevent under-age gambling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26570/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 27 September 2016
Ceisteanna (92, 94)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:94. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration will be given to the introduction of a service for problem gamblers whereby they could self-exclude themselves from being able to bet across a particular chain of bookmakers or across all bookmakers in a particular area, as trialed in other jurisdictions (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26572/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 94 together.
The General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill was published in July 2013 following approval by the Government and is currently in drafting by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The Bill, as proposed, will update all existing laws on the regulation of gambling, including betting and gaming but excluding the National Lottery.
The new legislation will have consumer protection generally as one of its core principles, and it is envisaged that it will include several measures aimed at assisting and protecting vulnerable persons, the young and those for whom gambling has become a problem.
It will include prohibitions on the employment of young persons, they will not be permitted to participate in gambling and there will be arrangements for age verification checks by licence holders. It is envisaged that the regulatory body proposed in the legislation will include a dedicated inspectorate whose main task will be to monitor compliance by licence holders with the terms of their licence and with the new legislation generally.
The Scheme proposes the establishment of a Fund to aid research, education and awareness activities and to support gambling addiction treatment programmes. The Fund will be based on contributions from the industry but the proposals will ensure independent supervision of the disbursement of monies collected. There is also provision in the Scheme for the implementation of self-exclusion measures as referred to by the Deputy.
It remains the intention to proceed with this legislation at the earliest feasible opportunity and, in that light, the potential for progression of the Bill was considered during the preparation of the forthcoming legislation programme.