Barry Fagan

The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 ("the Bill") passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas last week which marks a significant step towards creating a safer gambling environment in Ireland. As indicated in our previous article (see here), the Bill provides a new regulatory framework for the gambling industry, with betting, lotteries and gaming all falling within the licensing regime set out in the Bill. The patchwork of legislation previously regulating the industry will be repealed by the Bill.

The process adopted by the Central Bank for assessing candidates seeking pre-approval Controlled Functions ("PCF") roles was recently subject to scrutiny. In March 2024 the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal ("IFSAT") issued a highly critical judgment in a case involving an individual known as AB. IFSAT found the CBI's decision-making process was flawed.

An Rialalai Agraibhia, also known as the Agri-Food Regulator, is to be established under the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022 (the "Bill"). The Bill was published on 16 December 2022 and was debated in the Dáil yesterday evening, 10 May 2023. The Bill will return to the Dáil next week for final debate and is expected to be passed, after which it will go to the Seanad.