Ahern Publishes Report On Regulating Gaming In Ireland

This Report makes over thirty recommendations that have significant implications on the future of of gaming and betting in Ireland.

Announcing the publication, the Minister said: "I am very anxious that we get things right in relation to our gaming and betting codes.

"In particular I want to ensure that betting and gaming activities are carried out within a responsible framework that recognises the reality of these activities, but which ensures they are properly managed, particularly as regards problem gamblers."

The Minister said that because of technological advances associated with the online betting and gaming environments, the changing nature of gaming, the proliferation of private members' clubs offering a casino-style experience, the issues were complex and require further detailed analysis before Government is asked to make a formal decision on introducing any significant changes to the regulatory regime in the gaming and betting area. 

The Minister continued: "I have published the 'Gaming in Ireland' Report in advance of setting up the informal Cross-Party Committee which is to be asked to examine all aspects of gaming in Ireland. 

"There has been some delay in getting all party agreement and nominees to sit on the informal Cross-Party Committee and I have decided that, rather than delaying the report further, to publish it now allowing the summer recess for all parties to familiarise themselves with the contents of the Report."

The Committee will be tasked with examining existing law regulating gaming and lotteries, taking account recent international developments and examine, in particular, the experience of the United Kingdom which has recently enacted the 'Gambling Act 2005' and established a national regulator - the Gambling Commission.

Their deliberations will take developments in relation to internet and remote gambling (for example, betting via mobile phones) into account.

The informal Committee is being established on cross-Party lines from serving members of the Oireachtas and will be supported by staff from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. 

The Minister believes that an informal Cross-Party Committee is the most appropriate place now within which to tease out all the implications of the Report and gaming in general.

Concluding, the Minister said: "It is still my intention to proceed with the establishment of the Committee and my invitation to the Labour Party to participate on the Committee remains open. 

"The Committee will have wide latitude to address the many complex and even emotive issues surrounding gaming and gambling. 

"I look forward to completing the establishment of the Committee shortly and look forward to receiving the advice of the Committee in due course."

In the meantime Mr Ahern said that he is looking forward to receiving further submissions or observations on the Report and expressed his hope that it would lead toa further, general, well informed discussion= with regard to gaming in Ireland.