Having regard to the point made by Deputy O'Brien that, although the game is legal and lawful, there is disquiet about certain happenings in connection with these pool rooms, would the Minister, instead of waiting for complaints, initiate some inquiries with the Garda, particularly in Dublin and then consider the position further?

The Deputy may take it that I keep in touch with the Garda on matters such as these and on matters generally that are the subjects of Question Time. Regarding the establishments we are talking of here, I have not received any information that would indicate a necessity for legislative action but the matter is kept under review.

(Dublin Central): Is the Minister prepared——

This must be a very brief supplementary.

(Dublin Central):—— to assure us that in the event of the situation getting out of control, he will introduce legislation to limit the number of these establishments?

Yes.

He would need to start by finding out how many are in existence.

Any legislation in this area would depend on the amount of abuse to be remedied and this might not necessarily involve limiting the number of venues.

Perhaps what would be required would be a control of the number of licences issued each year.

That might have to be considered.