Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
800. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to run a nationwide gambling and gambling addiction awareness campaign; if no campaign is planned, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1661/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra801. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to help treat persons with gambling addiction in each of the years 2015 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1662/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 800 and 801 together.
Statutory responsibility for Government policy on gambling issues comes under the ambit of the Department of Justice and Equality.
There are no plans under consideration by the Department of Health for a nationwide gambling and gambling addiction awareness campaign.
The Department of Health provides the HSE with an overall allocation for addiction services, which can include gambling addiction. People presenting to the HSE with a gambling addiction are offered the same range of interventions as those with alcohol or drug addiction problems.
The Department does not allocate specific funding to the HSE for the treatment of gambling addiction. It is therefore not possible to identify the proportion of funding specifically spent on individual addictions.
