New Committee to Examine Casinos Regulation -Minister Mcdowell

The Minister stated that Internet gaming is included in the brief. The Minister went on to say, “The unregulated nature of casino-style activities is a major concern of the Government. The establishment of this Committee is a major step towards addressing this situation and I look forward to the report of the Committee in the coming months. I expect the legislative proposals will ensure that public and local interests are served and bring about strict regulation over the establishment of and operation of casinos.”

The Minister added, “The views of the Financial Action Task Force which has commented unfavorably on the current situation in Ireland as regards casino operations and money laundering, must also be considered and I have ensured that those views will be taken into account in the compilation of the Committee’s report.”

The Casino Regulation Committee will report on:

o “Possibilities for a legislative basis for the strict regulation of casino-style operations in the State.

o “Form of regulation, functions and powers of any regulatory body, the licensing system, codes of practice, investigation of complaints, entry and inspection, appeals against decisions, the nature and type of offences, Internet gambling etc.

o “Role of local authorities.

o “Requirements of the Financial Action Task Force.”

 A barrister with experience in the licensing area, Michael McGrath, has agreed to chair the Committee that will comprise representatives of the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Garda Siochána and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Committee will shortly be advertising in the national newspapers and inviting submissions from interested parties, groups or individuals in relation to the regulation of casinos.

The Casino Regulation Committee will report to the Government by the end of October, 2006.

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