CLARE’s two Fine Gael Oireachtas members were among the Government TDs and Senators to receive the VIP treatment hosted by the gambling industry at the Punchestown Festival.
TDs and Senators from were treated to a two-course meal and free bar for final day of the Punchestown Festival on April 28th. As first reported by The Irish Daily Mail, the politicians were all guests at the corporate hospitality event, at which the Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) paid for three tables in the tent, representatives from a major gambling company were also in attendance.
Lobbying rules state that communications with a designated public official, such as a TD or senator, regarding proposed changes to legislation should be recorded on the register. However, the Punchestown event was not logged on the register.
Deputy Joe Carey (FG) and Senator Martin Conway (FG) were part of the group hosted by Sharon Byrne, chairperson of the IBA. The Gambling Regulation Bill was not discussed at the event.
When contacted by The Clare Echo, Deputy Carey said he did not wish to comment on the matter. Senator Conway could not be reached at the time of going to print.
Ms Byrne said that the IBA regularly attends and supports Irish horse racing events. “On the occasions where we secure hospitality, we invite guests and colleagues, who would enjoy a day at the races, to join us. Our guests vary each year and range from greyhound breeders, professional colleagues, industry stakeholders and IBA members, to politicians who are local to where the event is being held as well as those with a known interest in the sport”.
Having underwent pre-legislative scrutiny, the Gambling Regulation Bill is being prepared to be introduced to the Oireachtas. It proposes to regulate the gambling industry for the first time. It also proposes to establish a gambling regulator which will license gambling operators trading here and have the power to impose fines for breaches of legislation.
