Thomas Gould
Question:1906. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if his Department has engaged with the Department of Justice on the gambling control Bill. [19269/21]
View answerWednesday, 21 April 2021
Questions (1906)
Written answers
The Department of Justice has overall responsibility for gambling regulation. Officials in my Department have met recently with officials in the Department of Justice in relation to gambling issues.
The Inter-Departmental Working Group Report on Future Licensing and Regulation of Gambling reported 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. My officials will continue to engage with the Dept of Justice to address the social impact of gambling.