Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On the question of task forces, from meetings I have held over the past 12 months with different groups, each of them has said what the witnesses have just told us. There is the matter of funding going back to 2008 levels either for task forces or youth work. How frustrating is it for the groups here today, working on the front line, in trying to provide services? Much of the new funding is being specifically allocated so task forces do not have autonomy to deal with matters in their local area. The Department gives them money for a certain project, for example, but each task force needs funding to tackle problems with services specific to them. The groups I have spoken with have been very animated and upset by this. The task forces are key and if we support them and give them the funding and help they need, they will deliver locally in their areas.

The representatives from the Rutland Centre made some good points on addiction, particularly with regard to gambling and the various links in that respect. Last week I introduced a Bill to the Dáil that would ban the use of credit cards for gambling online and in shops. It is only a small step and we need the Government to bring out its gambling control Bill, along with the appointment of a gambling regulator. There was a small mention of this in yesterday's budget but it looks like the earliest that measure will be implemented will be 2023.

My colleagues and many of the witnesses have spoken about the many issues involved with this, including age verification, whether that is for alcoholic drink delivery or children going online and being able to gamble for two or three days before they must verify their age. Over the summer I published a strategy to combat gambling and, at a minimum, there should be no advertising for gambling before the watershed. As a father with two young children but also a person involved with GAA and youths in my community, I am aware that children are vulnerable and are being targeted by the likes of alcohol and betting companies. As Ms Bryans spoke about this earlier, perhaps we could get some more of her thoughts on the matter. Some of the points she made were excellent.