1336. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to clarify when sections 143, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 157 and 159 of the Gambling Regulation Bill will commence which include marketing, advertising and sponsorship, taking into account the huge rise in gambling addiction, especially due to the marketing of 24 hour Online slot machines. [76769/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (the Act) establishes a comprehensive framework for the licensing and regulation of betting, gaming, and certain lotteries, including activities provided online to persons in the State. It also establishes a new, independent statutory body, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). Last year, I signed orders to commence the first provisions of the Act and to establish the GRAI from 5 March 2025.

At its core, the Act is a public health measure aimed at protecting citizens from gambling harm, particularly children, young people, and those in our communities who are more vulnerable. It provides for a number of safeguards to protect people, most notably children and vulnerable persons, from the harms associated with gambling, with a particular focus on online activities.

The provisions referenced by the Deputy relate to the regulation of gambling marketing, advertising, and sponsorship, and confer significant regulation-making powers on the GRAI, including a suite of enforcement measures where a licensee is in breach of same. My Department is currently working with the Office of the Attorney General to commence these provisions.

The protections and safeguards provided for in the Act are contingent on the providers in the sector being licensed and regulated by the GRAI. In collaboration with the GRAI, officials in my Department are continuing to progress the further commencement of the Act's remaining provisions as quickly as possible.

In the interim, there are a number of practical tools available to help limit an individual's exposure to gambling-related advertising and content. More information on some of the tools available is set out on the GRAI’s Protection Tools webpage: www.grai.ie/gambling-safety/get-support/protection-tools.