Michael McDowell TD, the Irish government Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, reported that the government of Ireland has agreed to his proposal to establish a Casino Regulation Committee. The proposed committee will be responsible for reporting on the possibilities of a legislative basis for the regulation of casino-style operations in the country. This, of course, would include Internet gaming.

McDowell commented: “"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 that the legislative proposals will bring about strict regulation over the establishment of and operation of casinos while ensuring that public and local interests are served.”

McDowell further 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 are also of concern and I have ensured that those views will be taken into account in the compilation of the Committee's report."

The Committee will be responsible for reporting on the following:

"The possibilities for a legislative basis for the strict regulation of casino-style operations in the State;

"The form of regulation, the 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.;

"The role of local authorities;

"The requirements of the Financial Action Task Force."

Barrister Michael McGrath, who gas experience in the licensing area, agreed to be the chairman of the Committee which will be comprised of representatives from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Finance, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Garda Siochána and the Revenue Commissioners.

In the coming weeks, the Committee plans to advertise in the national newspapers and invite submissions from interested parties, groups or individuals concerning the regulation of casinos.

Posted on: August 27, 2006

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