Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Finance the regulations which apply to bookmakers in respect of opening hours; his plans to review these regulations with a view to extending the permissible opening hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30862/09]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for Finance if he has examined either the impact on employment or the impact on taxation revenue due to the Exchequer arising from the regulatory approach to bookmakers opening hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30863/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.

The permitted opening times of registered betting premises were originally provided for in the Betting Act, 1931. The Act has been amended in particular by the Finance Act 1998 and the Finance Act 2007. The 1998 changes extended the opening hours of betting shops to cater for the growing trend towards evening race meetings and Sunday racing. The 2007 changes extended the opening times of betting shops up to 10.00 p.m. during the 'winter period' on evenings when a race-meeting is scheduled at an authorised racecourse.

The current legislation covering opening hours of betting shops in summary sets out that:

· registered premises cannot be open for business on Christmas Day, Good Friday or Easter Sunday,

· from 1 April to 31 August in any year, registered premises cannot open before 7.00 a.m. or after 10.00 p.m., and

· from 1 September to 31 March in any year, registered premises cannot open before 7.00 a.m. or after 6.30 p.m., unless a race-meeting at an authorised racecourse is taking place on or after 6.30 p.m. On days on which such a race-meeting is taking place, registered premises can remain open for business until 10.00 p.m.

While a range of issues including revenue yield, employment and social concerns, would be taken into account in considering any changes to the opening hours for betting shops, I have no plans at present to change the current permissible opening hours.