asked the Minister for Health in the light of widespread increase in compulsive gambling if he will now classify this affliction as a disease which would enable those in need to avail of any qualifying benefits.
252.
Written Answers. - Compulsive Gambling.
251.
asked the Minister for Health in view of the alarming increase in gambling addiction if he will establish a national council for compulsive gamblers which would assess the extent of the disease, highlight its harmful social impact and examine ways and means of counteracting this problem.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.
To classify compulsive gambling as a disease would not in itself entitle the gambler to any special benefits. Gambling takes many forms and possibly the majority of people engage in it in one form or another from time to time. Those, however, who experience problems, or for whose families problems are created, through excessive gambling may obtain counselling and advice from their local psychiatric service. An important role in this regard is also played by the voluntary group, Gamblers Anonymous.