Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
622. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the reason for the refusal to fund programmes specific to gambling addiction, given that the latest published data show that 8% of persons here suffer with problem gambling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5041/21]
View answerThe 2014/15 Drug Prevalence Survey Research collected data on the extent of gambling on behalf of the Department of Justice and Equality. It estimates that circa 1 per cent of the population is affected by problem gambling.
The Department of Health does not have a remit or the resources to fund gambling-specific addiction services.
The Department of Justice and Equality has overall responsibility for gambling regulation. It published the Inter-Departmental Working Group Report on Future Licensing and Regulation of Gambling in 2019.
The report addresses the social impact of gambling, including the issue of problem gambling. It notes the social and health impacts of problem gambling and acknowledges that problem gambling can lead to social breakdown, with devastating financial losses and alienation of family and friends. Problem gambling can be associated with a range of harms including higher risk of psychiatric disorders, alcohol and drug misuse, physical and mental health issues, separation and divorce, unemployment and insolvency
The Inter-Departmental Working Group recommended that:
- funding be made available for research, training, and community interventions into treatment of gambling addiction.
- funding of public education and awareness raising programmes and the production of relevant information materials be supported.
- assistance be given in the provision of additional services to treat gambling addiction.
In order to meet these objectives, the Group recommended that a Social Fund, managed by the gambling regulatory authority should be established.
I support the recommendations of the working group report to address the social impact of gambling and to establish a social fund to support treatment services for gambling addiction. I have no funding to support organisations that deal only with gambling addiction or problem gamblers.
