Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I hope the Minister of State does not take this the wrong way but he is passing the buck. The Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, will say that the Department of Justice and Equality has a responsibility. He mentioned a levy. If a levy is going to be charged, the Departments of Justice and Equality and Health should work very closely together to ensure these addicts are being looked after. This has gone on far too long.

I will be honest that I gamble four times a year. I love looking at golf and I gamble on the four majors. I put a wee flutter on and that is probably how it all starts. We must run an advertising campaign and explain that the problems and serious issues related to gambling are similar to those relating to drink. I do not have a problem with gambling, and I am a pioneer and do not have a problem with drink. I realise that other people have problems and need help. The warning signs are there at an early stage.

I have been looking at television for the past number of years and I have seen nothing warning people about gambling addiction but I see advertisements about sex and bullying. The Departments of Justice and Equality and Health should work together and highlight the serious issues people are having with gambling. That might stop people at an early age.

Years ago, the biggest problem we had in this country was smoking and, all of a sudden, obesity and diabetes are bigger killers than smoking. People worked so hard on the smoking and, all of a sudden, we now realise we have problems with other issues. Prevention is the best cure and I would like the Minister of State's Department to work a wee bit closer with the Department of Health, using the levy and the moneys coming in to help addicts.