Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The media need to adopt a constructive stance in this regard also. I am concerned that when local radio stations are reporting on upcoming sporting events, they give the odds that the local team will beat their neighbours. It is encouraging young people to consider whether there is money to be made on the upcoming match between two local parishes. That is sending out the wrong message, and the media should be much more responsible in that regard.

There is no doubt that excessive gambling is a serious issue in this country, particularly among young men, as previously stated. It is very easy now to access all sorts of betting opportunities, which is frightening. We need to do much more in the schools to highlight at an early age the dangers and the destruction that can be caused to families and individuals as a result of excessive gambling.

I would like this House to have a major debate on a future occasion where we would flag the start of a national conversation on the problems gambling is causing here, and the destruction it is causing to families.