Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. We are now midway through the term of the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery. We are looking at a health-led approach because, unfortunately, drugs are in every town and village in the country. The Garda and all stakeholders are working as hard as possible. There is already a lot of collaboration with local organisations such as the GAA. We are only too delighted to work with them.

I addressed the issue of problem gambling in the Seanad this morning. We hope that we will be dealing with the gambling industry and the Department of Justice to introduce measures which provide money for counselling and supports for those suffering with gambling addiction. Again, it is insidious and is to be found in every town and village in the country. Online gambling is a very significant issue. I thank the Deputy for raising these two very important issues.

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