Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
780. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if there is a conflict of interest policy for organisations funded or part-funded by his Department in respect of gambling, similar to the HSE's alcohol partnership policy; and, if not, if he will introduce such a policy. [54681/23]
View answerThe Department of Health does not fund or part-fund any organisations in respect of gambling.
In Budget 2023, funding of €500,000 was proved to the HSE to introduce a pilot treatment programme for gambling addiction. I provided a further €500,000 for this purpose in Budget 2024. Under the Health Act 2004, as amended, the HSE is responsible for the provision of health and social services including addiction. The HSE either provides these services directly or arranges to have them provided on its behalf through service level type arrangements that have a list of associated conditions of funding attached.
