Thomas Gould
Question:1930. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if additional supports are put in place for established high-risk gambling times, for example, the Cheltenham festival. [19315/21]
View answerWednesday, 21 April 2021
Questions (1930)
Written answers
As previously advised, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for the provision of addiction treatment services. It is often the case that gambling addiction is one of a number of addictions and or issues faced by an individual.
The HSE Addiction and Section 39 funded Services have been traditionally funded to treat problematic Drug and Alcohol use. Some cases of problematic gambling have been provided with treatment. Interventions including one to one counselling, financial advice and onward referral to other voluntary groups including Gamblers Anonymous.
Services have not been funded to develop a programme of interventions for problematic gambling. To provide additional services for gambling addiction would result in significant capacity issues and lengthening of existing waiting lists for people with drug and alcohol problems.
While I am supportive of drug and alcohol services that assist people with problem gambling, the Department has no funding available to it to support organisations that deal only with gambling addiction or problem gamblers.