Ms Paula Leonard:

The Chairman did not cut me off. I apologise for my poor timekeeping in the morning. The Chairman was absolutely right. I have found this meeting very useful and want to thank everybody for the opportunity to come here. The Chairman was talking about process addictions, including to gambling and pornography. I agree with her that many people have been spending a lot of time at home by themselves with their phones. We are not going to see the impact of that until six to 12 months have passed. There is a significant comorbidity in relation to gambling and alcohol addiction. The high-risk behaviours that are associated with gambling are facilitated and enabled by alcohol. We know that alcohol reduces inhibitions around risk-taking and, therefore, the stakes can become higher very quickly and a person can get into trouble very quickly. It is important that we have a comprehensive understanding of addiction and look at it across the board. Some of that conversation has started today and I would like it to continue. I thank all the other people who have appeared before the committee this morning. It has been difficult to listen to in parts but it is also important to know and understand the wonderful work that has been happening right across the community and voluntary sectors over the past 18 months. I thank the committee for the opportunity.