Control of illegal betting
Mac Giolla questioned the lack of convictions and efforts to control illegal betting; the Ceann Comhairle noted this was separate from the question about collecting a specific fine. The Minister reiterated that mitigation was a matter for the Revenue Commissioners and did not address enforcement.
Is the Minister aware that on 7 February the Minister for Finance said there was no doubt but that there was a substantial problem in relation to illegal betting here? Yet there was no convictions in 1982, and only six last year. Would the Minister tell the House why serious efforts are not being made to control this illegal betting?
Comment on this
That is a separate question. The question on the Order Paper refers to a specific fine and its collection.
Comment on this
The Minister for Justice may find that the Minister for Finance is not attempting to control illegal betting. I am asking if the Minister for Justice is satisfied that this major criminal activity is proceeding in view of the fact that this £61,000 fine has been reduced?
Comment on this
(Limerick East): The mitigation of fines imposed by the Revenue Commissioners is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners, not the Minister for Justice. I understand the commissioners do not normally disclose the amount to which they have mitigated the fine. It is not my departmental responsibility. The question as posed talks about the collection of the fine and that is my departmental responsibility, mitigation is not.