10 February 2022 Gaming Machine Inquiry Session 2 Meeting Minutes 

Minutes - RHRG APG Gaming Machine Inquiry Session 2

Topic: Gaming Machines – Industry Perspective
Date: Thursday 10 February 2022
Time: 1:00PM
Location: Virtual Meeting via Zoom platform  
Chairperson: Robbie Butler MLA
Minute taker: Connor Hogan, Chambré

Members Present
Robbie Butler MLA (RB)
Philip McGuigan MLA 

Apologies
Pam Cameron MLA 

External guests
Gerald Steinberg - Northern Ireland Amusement Caterers Trade Association (NIACTA)
Brendan McAreavey - NIACTA
Paul McLean - Northern Ireland Turf Guardians Association (NITGA)
Pete Keogh – Gambling with Lives
Sadie Keogh - Gambling with Lives
Michael Smyth - Department for Communities
Grace Popplewell - Department of Health
Sharon Hughes - Education Authority
Diane Owens – CCEA
Ellen Finlay - Samaritans NI
Gillian McAtackney - GamCare
Jake McKey - GamCare

Secretariat
Connor Hogan, Chambré
Will Chambré, Chambré
James Mayne, Chambré

Welcome
RB opened the meeting and advised attendees that the session would be recorded.

Minutes of previous meetings
Minutes from the meeting on the 21 October were approved, with Robbie proposing and Philip seconding. Due to insufficient members from previous meeting in attendance, the minutes from the 3 February were unable to be approved. To be tabled for approval at next meeting of APG on 24 February.

Matters arising
None

Oral evidence - Northern Ireland Amusement Caterers Trade Association (NIACTA)

·       Gerald Steinberg (Oasis Retail Services Ltd)  

·       Brendan McAreavey (Clearhill Enterprises Ltd)

Questions - NIACTA
Mr Steinberg and Mr McAreavey took questions from members and observers
Mr Steinberg offered to meet Pete and Sadie Keogh to discuss issues raised

Action: Secretariat to share Mr and Mrs Keogh’s contact details with Mr Steinberg.

Oral evidence – Northern Ireland Turf Guardians Association (NITGA)

·       Paul McLean (A McLean Bookmakers)

Questions - NITGA

Mr McLean took questions from members and observers

Mr Steinberg answered some additional questions

AOB
None

Next meeting
RB advised members that the next meeting would be held on 24 February. Members will hear from people who have personal experience of harm related to gaming machines.