Concerns were raised to Minister of State, James Browne, who oversees the GRB’s agenda, to exclude charity draws and schemes from being included in the Bill’s framework.
An amendment, carrying a specific exemption for charity purposes, was proposed by Labour Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin but was rejected by Browne, who stated that the GRB must remain as it stands.
Browne cited that “excluding charities could remove important safeguards against the misuse of charitable status for gambling.”
Furthermore, the minister scolded deputies for attempting to modify the Bill at its review stage before proceeding to the Seanad (senate) to be determined as a law.
Deputies were reminded that amendments can only be considered during the ‘committee phase’ and therefore cannot be reintroduced durin..