The Dail’s passage of the Gambling Bill has been hailed as a victory for Meath’s charities and sports community, by MP Johnny Guirke.

The Meath West TD said Sinn Féin had lobbied the government to reverse wording which would have prevented sports clubs and charities from raising needed funds through lotto tickets, bingo and other means.

“We supported the passage of the bill in its final form, after forcing the government to change its stance on charity and sports fundraising.

“The original wording would have been disastrous for Meath’s sports clubs and charities because it confused fundraising with gambling, costing these organizations thousands of pounds in necessary fundraising.

“We see for example GAA clubs all over Meath selling weekly club lotto tickets. It is a source of income for the club.

“Despite the Government’s attempts to criticize Sinn Féin’s amendments aimed at addressing the concerns of sporting bodies and the charitable sector, our persistence in insisting that they be taken into account has been vindicated in the final wording of this Bill .

“It is now crucial that this bill is accompanied by funding for drug services, as well as awareness campaigns and support independent of industry influence.

“We support regulated trading and recognize its importance in preventing the involvement of organized crime and gray market operators.

“Now that the necessary legislation for the new Gambling Regulatory Authority has been passed, it is time for the Authority to continue its work and redouble its efforts to combat gambling addiction.”