649. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will review the €360,000 statutory total prize cap applying to District Court-licensed lotteries, including house draw competitions; whether consideration will be given to increasing this cap in line with current housing market values and construction costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45082/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (‘the 2024 Act’) was enacted on 23 October 2024 and established a new, independent statutory body – the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (‘the Authority’). Last year, I signed orders to commence the first provisions of the Act and to establish the Authority from 5 March 2025.

The provisions of the Act including the powers of the Authority are being rolled out on a phased basis, and in that context, I signed an order on 3 February 2026 to commence those parts of the 2024 Act that allow the Authority to begin accepting applications for the issuing of betting licences. As the Authority builds up its resources, commencement of the licensing of the remaining sectors of the gambling industry, including lotteries such as the ones described by the Deputy, will take place in due course.

The Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 (‘the 1956 Act’), provides for once-off lotteries up to the value of €360,000 in a twelve month period, for a charitable or philanthropic purpose. I have no plans to amend the 1956 Act given it will be repealed as the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is commenced. However, the Deputy may be interested to note that the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 provides for a new type of licence to allow for once-off lotteries (to be operated once every 12 months) for prizes of up to €360,000 for both commercial and charitable/philanthropic purposes.

Those applying for this type of licence will need to apply to the Authority in the future. The Authority, having regard to certain considerations, and with my consent, may vary the maximum payment and winning limits specified in the 2024 Act, by regulation.