311. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Finance if he will engage with the banking sector (details supplied) and request it to provide a status report regarding the offer to provide a 'gambling block' to customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15047/24]

312. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Finance if he will publish the timeframe provided by the financial institutions required to deliver gambling block security to their online platforms (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15048/24]

Michael McGrath, Minister for Finance: I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 312 together.

The regulation of gambling is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Justice, who is bringing the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 through the Oireachtas. The Bill 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 provides for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online, and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.

The Bill completed Committee Stage in Dáil Eireann on 11 July 2023. It is hoped the Bill will be enacted in the coming months. The Bill includes a number of protections and safeguards including prohibiting licensees from accepting payment from a credit card or an account funded by credit for a gambling activity or extending a credit facility to a participant of a gambling activity, and the establishment of the National Gambling Exclusion Register to allow any person to register with the Authority to exclude themselves from gambling online with one or more licensed operators, or from specific gambling activities, for a specific or indefinite period of time. The Bill will also prohibit licensees from having cash withdrawal facilities, such as ATMs, on their premises.

I am aware of press reports from 2019 that a number of the retail banks operating in Ireland were considering the introduction of gambling blocks. This is a commercial decision for the banks in question and introduction of such a feature is a matter for them to consider. However, I understand that at least one of the entities operating in the Irish market offers the service of a gambling block for payments to gambling entities. This service is activated only at the customer’s request and, while the user can choose to deactivate the block, this is subject to a delay.