In accordance with the new Standing Order 28, Questions on Proposed Legislation allows for one minute per question. Questions must relate to the Order Paper, the taking of business which has been promised, inside or outside the House, the making of secondary legislation, arrangements for sitting or Bills and other documents. It is not an alternative form of Topical Issues.

Where is the Gambling Control Bill? The heads of the Bill were published in July 2013 and were considered by the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, which published a report in November 2013. Large sections of the gambling and gaming industry are either totally unregulated or inadequately regulated. The nature of gambling has changed a great deal since the regulations of 1931 and 1956. All any of us has to do now is pick up the phone and bet as much money as we have. It has been dragging on for more than three years so I would appreciate an update in the context of protecting people.

It is a Bill of 83 heads. The pre-legislative scrutiny process has been completed and the 83 heads have now gone for drafting to the OPC. They already have been approved by Government. There is a lot of justice legislation so there is pressure on the drafting process but I will convey the Deputy's concern to the Minister.