Seanad Éireann debate - Tuesday, 14 May 2024

I welcome the Minister for Municipal Affairs. The vociferous debate will proceed in a simple way: 15 minutes for the Minister for Municipal Affairs, 12 minutes for the supporters' group, 6 minutes for all other MPs.... I announce the "Aire State".

Minister of State at the Department of Justice (Deputy James Browne)

I am pleased to introduce the Gambling Control Bill to the House of Representatives. This Bill is an important and significant one, aimed at abolishing and regulating gambling in Ireland.

I appreciate that the Bill is getting real and meaningful help and look forward to the Senators' comments.

The Internet has made gambling cheaper than ever before. Anyone who covers for juveniles has relatively easy access to gambling sites on their mobile phones. As a result, it is important to have a strong regulatory framework that allows people to have fun, operators are well regulated, and children and those at risk of gambling addiction are protected.

The main objective of this Bill is to create a credible and sophisticated gambling regulation and licensing regime. The Bill envisages the establishment and performance of statutory functions of an organisation called the Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority (Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann). This bill balances the freedom of gambling with the protection of children and the prevention of harm from gambling addicts. The purpose of the bill is to ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and transparent manner, that licensees can operate with peace of mind, to bring to a close the problem of gambling in order to protect children, to regulate gambling advertising, and to prevent gambling from becoming a cause of crime.

In fact, we know that almost everyone owns at least one fixed gambling, but the Senator knows that legislation must be balanced by all interests. In 2017, the size of the gambling sector was observed to be about 6 billion euros per year. This figure has grown exponentially in seven years. Thus, this industry has a significant impact on the economy and employment. Apart from this, gambling is considered a necessary aura for many charities and philanthropic organizations to raise funds. Gambling is nothing more than entertainment for most people. However, gambling is associated with certain risks in all kinds of relationships. Shockingly, many people who started performing arts for fun end up having problems with gambling. Esri's "2023" report highlights the problem of gambling addiction, and in fact, 3% of the state's population suffers from gambling addiction. This focuses on the need for a serious fight against problem gambling and its harms, and yet increases the need for the next adjustment. As a result, it is very fundamental to create a regulatory body with the right capabilities and to respond immediately, taking into account the size, complexity and daily changing dispositions of the gambling sector. The Bill

So let us outline the main provisions of the Bill. Section 1 is the usual provision characteristic of all legislative acts. Section 2 considers the establishment, charter function and financing of the Authority. It will be an independent body in terms of operation, but will be under consistent supervision. Seven members, excluding the chairman, will go into this body, and the Bill considers the role of an executive director, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the body.

The Bill considers the creation and functioning of a national register of gambling exceptions, allowing individuals to exclude it online. If a person is recorded in this body, it will be a crime for a licensee to encourage or promote gambling, to enable that person to act as a gambler, to engage in that gambling or to disrupt in this way.

Part 2 also stipulates the establishment of a socially influential fund based on forced contributions calculated every year based on commercial licensed sales. This fund is covered by research to fight for an obsessiv e-compulsive and excessive gambling, related initiatives, maintain measures for improving awareness, maintaining measures for education, and supporting measures to treat problematic gambling.

Part 3 describes related provisions related to group functions, assignment criteria to groups, no n-matching reviews, and dispute deliberations. Part 4 states that many prohibitions and associated crimes, for example, unauthorized activities. The institution has the right to apply for a court decision to block unauthorized businesses and Internet access to activities, advertisements to unauthorized providers and payment of money.

Part 5 stipulates the creation of a modern gambling license system, alternative to the current period of date. The bill stipulates a new bookmaker license to replace existing bookmakers and the licensing of the totorizer, and a new gambling and lottery license to replace the relevant license and permission system. The bill stipulates the complex license and regulations of gambling machines. Those who sell and provide gambling products and related services must have a license. The bill allows gambling, lottery, pool holding pools, and a prize of € 360. 000 for profit, charity, and philanthropy, such as local sports clubs and charitable organizations. The new license is specified.

The bill also defines the upper limit of tariffs and prices that are generally introduced in 2020. The authorities can be corrected by the authorities. In Part 5, it is also stipulated that the total winning amount does not exceed 2, 000 euros, or the total winning amount does not exceed 5, 000 euros, and exempts the need for licensing to carry out lottery for philanthropy and philanthropy. It is done.

In order to protect the child, the authorities must consider the aptitude and aptitude of the applicant's facilities when considering a license application. The agency must discuss with relevant local governments, and the evaluation of the facility does not replace the role of local governments in the decision of planning permission. < SPAN> Part 2 also stipulates the creation of social influence funds based on forced contributions calculated every year based on commercial licensed sales. This fund is covered by research to fight for an obsessiv e-compulsive and excessive gambling, related initiatives, maintain measures for improving awareness, maintaining measures for education, and supporting measures to treat problematic gambling.

Part 3 describes related provisions related to group functions, assignment criteria to groups, no n-matching reviews, and dispute deliberations. Part 4 states that many prohibitions and associated crimes, for example, unauthorized activities. The institution has the right to apply for a court decision to block unauthorized businesses and Internet access to activities, advertisements to unauthorized providers and payment of money.

Part 5 stipulates the creation of a modern gambling license system, alternative to the current period of date. The bill stipulates a new bookmaker license to replace existing bookmakers and the licensing of the totorizer, and a new gambling and lottery license to replace the relevant license and permission system. The bill stipulates the complex license and regulations of gambling machines. Those who sell and provide gambling products and related services must have a license. The bill allows gambling, lottery, pool holding pools, and a prize of € 360. 000 for profit, charity, and philanthropy, such as local sports clubs and charitable organizations. The new license is specified.

The bill also defines the upper limit of tariffs and prices that are generally introduced in 2020. The authorities can be corrected by the authorities. In Part 5, it is also stipulated that the total winning amount does not exceed 2, 000 euros, or the total winning amount does not exceed 5, 000 euros, and exempts the need for licensing to carry out lottery for philanthropy and philanthropy. It is done.

In order to protect the child, the authorities must consider the aptitude and aptitude of the applicant's facilities when considering a license application. The agency must discuss with relevant local governments, and the evaluation of the facility does not replace the role of local governments in the decision of planning permission. Part 2 also stipulates the establishment of a socially influential fund based on forced contributions calculated every year based on commercial licensed sales. This fund is covered by research to fight for an obsessiv e-compulsive and excessive gambling, related initiatives, maintain measures for improving awareness, maintaining measures for education, and supporting measures to treat problematic gambling.

Part 3 describes related provisions related to group functions, assignment criteria to groups, no n-matching reviews, and dispute deliberations. Part 4 states that many prohibitions and associated crimes, for example, unauthorized activities. The institution has the right to apply for a court decision to block unauthorized businesses and Internet access to activities, advertisements to unauthorized providers and payment of money.

Part 5 stipulates the creation of a modern gambling license system, alternative to the current period of date. The bill stipulates a new bookmaker license to replace existing bookmakers and the licensing of the totorizer, and a new gambling and lottery license to replace the relevant license and permission system. The bill stipulates the complex license and regulations of gambling machines. Those who sell and provide gambling products and related services must have a license. The bill allows gambling, lottery, pool holding pools, and a prize of € 360. 000 for profit, charity, and philanthropy, such as local sports clubs and charitable organizations. The new license is specified.

Deputy Timmy Dooley

The bill also defines the upper limit of tariffs and prices that are generally introduced in 2020. The authorities can be corrected by the authorities. In Part 5, it is also stipulated that the total winning amount does not exceed 2, 000 euros, or the total winning amount does not exceed 5, 000 euros, and exempts the need for licensing to carry out lottery for philanthropy and philanthropy. It is done.

In order to protect the child, the authorities must consider the aptitude and aptitude of the applicant's facilities when considering a license application. The agency must discuss with relevant local governments, and the evaluation of the facility does not replace the role of local governments in the decision of planning permission.

Part 6 stipulates important protection measures such as protecting children, gambling advertising, focusing encouragement, and regulations on payment methods. The bill prohibits children from gambling, gambling children, and entering the facilities, and the offenders are imprisoned for less than five years. The bill prohibits o n-demand services from 5. 30 to 21. 00, gambling on television and radio. This provision is a coalition committee of the o n-demand service, which is a unanimous recommendation (included in the preliminary legislative audit report); other electronic e-mails, such as telephone, text message, and email. According to communication means, if the recipient does not provide acceptable mechanisms to reject such advertising, it is an exception. I would also like to make sure that members of the Senator are planning to correct charity organizations, including sports organizations, or philanthropic licensors, from these advertising regulations.

Authorities, as described above, may adopt additional rules for gambling advertising on specific media, as well as websites, applications, printing media, or gambling ads in specific places or events. Note that this section prohibits the use of credit cards for gambling payments and prohibits the provision of personal incentives that focus on the people who participate in the game. Is important. The sponsorship and the problem of providing unique clothing and products by commercial license are also examined here.

Article 7 of the bill stipulates how the authorities will consider and take measures for alleged violation of duties by Licensee. < SPAN> Part 6 states important protection measures such as protection of children, gambling ads, focusing encouragement, and regulations on payment methods. The bill prohibits children from gambling, gambling children, and entering the facilities, and the offenders are imprisoned for less than five years. The bill prohibits o n-demand services from 5. 30 to 21. 00, gambling on television and radio. This provision is a coalition committee of the o n-demand service, which is a unanimous recommendation (included in the preliminary legislative audit report); other electronic e-mails, such as telephone, text message, and email. According to communication means, if the recipient does not provide acceptable mechanisms to reject such advertising, it is an exception. I would also like to make sure that members of the Senator are planning to correct charity organizations, including sports organizations, or philanthropic licensors, from these advertising regulations.

Authorities, as described above, may adopt additional rules for gambling advertising on specific media, as well as websites, applications, printing media, or gambling ads in specific places or events. Note that this section prohibits the use of credit cards for gambling payments and prohibits the provision of personal incentives that focus on the people who participate in the game. Is important. The sponsorship and the problem of providing unique clothing and products by commercial license are also examined here.

Article 7 of the bill stipulates how the authorities will consider and take measures for alleged violation of duties by Licensee. Part 6 stipulates important protection measures such as protecting children, gambling advertising, focusing encouragement, and regulations on payment methods. The bill prohibits children from gambling, gambling children, and entering the facilities, and the offenders are imprisoned for less than five years. The bill prohibits o n-demand services from 5. 30 to 21. 00, gambling on television and radio. This provision is a coalition committee of the o n-demand service, which is a unanimous recommendation (included in the preliminary legislative audit report); other electronic e-mails, such as telephone, text message, and email. According to communication means, if the recipient does not provide acceptable mechanisms to reject such advertising, it is an exception. I would also like to make sure that members of the Senator are planning to correct charity organizations, including sports organizations, or philanthropic licensors, from these advertising regulations.

Authorities, as described above, may adopt additional rules for gambling advertising on specific media, as well as websites, applications, printing media, or gambling ads in specific places or events. Note that this section prohibits the use of credit cards for gambling payments and prohibits the provision of personal incentives that focus on the people who participate in the game. Is important. The sponsorship and the problem of providing unique clothing and products by commercial license are also examined here.

Article 7 of the bill stipulates how the authorities will consider and take what measures will be taken regarding the alleged violation of the duty by License.

In the bill of the bill, the authorities take into account the ability to comply with the law stipulated in the law. The bill aims to approve the compliance with the law. If a fine is needed, the authorities will have the opportunity to impose a wide range of penalties, and then employees will be investigated. The results of the survey may be transferred to a no n-discounted discussion in consideration of dispute. If the staff has violated the actual promise, there are all opportunities to impose one or a certain number of administrative policy, such as financial fines, pause or evaluation of gambling licenses, and imposing status of gambling resolution. The fine shall not exceed any higher, 10 % of the sales in the year, 10 million euros or a license. Authorities have left the options to court to make important orders for the protection of Licensee, if they determine that there is an urgent need to protect the public.

Part 9 will examine a number of complaints that Licensei may submit in regard to the conclusions of the institution.

This is a flexible, advanced and principle style, and is a thorough law that involves a wide range of difficulties. It can provide great profits and clarity to businesses and buyers, protect children and the general public, and save people suffering from excessive and problematic gambling. This has been needed for a long time. It can help people's lives and minimize social and economic damage caused by gambling. It seems that the work to confirm the bill is going on a large amount, but all of the issues of all work restrictions on the bill are to learn the bill secretly and bring the necessary corrections. In this regard, I propose an exchange with the Senator in accordance with the movement of the bill. I submit a bill to discuss Adept's house.

I am grateful that the minister in charge of the municipality introduced this bill and discussed Adept House. The impact of gambling addiction on the life of individuals, families, and local communities is literally recognized by everyone in society. When trying to overcome these difficult tasks, we should not solve the unexpected results of such a regulation. In fact, in the acceptance speech, the Minister of Municipalities pointed out the dangers of online, and to regulate websites outside the jurisdiction of Ireland, Europe, and other countries. I remembered that I was facing.

This has the potential to be anxious.

The Minister of State has indicated his intention to consider a number of issues which I would like to touch upon. Perhaps the Minister can provide more detail on these. The first one I would like to touch upon is the question that has been asked by horse owners, coaches and point-to-point business people. They are concerned about the same issues as the ropeway. Judging from the media reports over the last few weeks, they are seriously concerned about whether Racing Television and Sky Sports Racing will be able to continue to broadcast Irish jumping to the Irish public in the face of the ban on advertising gambling provided, provided, provided, provided, provided, provided under the rules. Obviously this issue affects not only the two above mentioned channels but RTÉ, TG4 and Virgin Media. They consider these channels to be vital support for the marketing of the sport and, more importantly, for our pedigree breeding industry. They are seriously concerned that if jumping were to disappear from our television screens due to the fact that these channels would no longer have any commercial merit in broadcasting it to homes, in their view this would have a detrimental effect on the general public in relation to the operation and running of Irish jumping and it would cause a terrible blow to their livelihoods and LO.

The Minister of the Municipalities, whether or not he provides the relatively clear clarity of correction that has the ability to squirt other branches of the owner, breeders and branches, is actually the history of this bill in the UK. Due to the difference, in consideration of the provided law, the Ireland race is relatively small compared to the British market and two different channels. Doesn't it lead to the prediction of Irish spikes from our screen? The Minister of Affairs is actually doing a lot of collaboration in the overall initiatives to promote this part of horse racing and equestrian as a whole with the regulators of England and how we cooperate. Will you have the ability to recognize that? In fact, I see them in effect with friends. We look at how horses are transported weekly from Ireland to the United Kingdom, and how the horse is flying here to jump here. Of course, if you want to protect the weaker people and to ensure the protection of this department, we must look at this as a whole, not individually.