Fitzgerald undecided on court enforceability of gambling debt

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has “no decided view” on whether gambling debts should be made enforceable in the Irish courts.

Ms Fitzgerald said the consequences of changing public policy on the enforcement of gambling debts would have to be closely scrutinised.

However, a change is not likely to feature in the Gambling Control Bill, which is currently being prepared by the Government, or the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which will contain some early amendments to the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956.

Ms Fitzgerald said that the matter “would bear significant further consideration both by the Government and by the Oireachtas”.

She added: “This consideration would have to include: the conditions on how gambling debts might be made enforceable by our courts, would it apply only to regulated and licensed forms of gambling and the impact of standard commercial practices, consumer protection and provision of credit.

“We would need to think very carefully as to the full range of possible consequences for all parties concerned. I have no decided view at this point, as to whether we should make this change to public policy. I welcome the views that Deputies may have to offer.”

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