347. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice her views on the alignment between the objective of the Gambling Regulation Bill to protect vulnerable persons and the exclusion of the National Lottery from the purview of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, particularly in light of recent findings from the Economic and Social Research Institute study on problem gambling, which identified lotteries and scratch cards as the most prevalent forms of gambling and thus, addiction; how this exemption aligns with the broader objectives of the Bill aimed at promoting responsible practices within the gambling industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9031/24]

348. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the reason the National Lottery is being excluded from being regulated by the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, particularly when local lotteries run by local charities and local voluntary groups will be subject to such regulation; the reason the National Lottery will not be included in the watershed ban on advertising of gambling products proposed in the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, when all other forms of gambling will be, including advertising charity lotteries and bingo games; how such a stance is in keeping with the Bill's objective of a balanced regulatory approach; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9032/24]

James Browne, Minister of State at the Department of Justice: I propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 348 together. 

The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online including lotteries and other similar gambling activities permitted under the Bill and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps. 

The Bill completed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann on 11 July 2023 and my Department is currently preparing amendments to the Bill for Report Stage. I am hopeful that the Bill will be enacted in the coming months.

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Lottery and its activities comes under the remit of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. While the National Lottery will not fall under the remit of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, the operation of the National Lottery is subject to the provisions of the National Lottery Act 2013 and is already regulated by its own dedicated regulator – the Regulator of the National Lottery.