Ian Marshall (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to support this motion. My fellow Senators have made many arguments and there is no point replicating or repeating them. We need to understand the problem to understand how we fix it. Experts used to think that addiction was dependence on a chemical. However, it is now defined as repeatedly pursuing a rewarding experience despite serious repercussions. This could be a drug but we now know that we do not need to ingest a drug to change the neurochemistry of the brain. Furthermore, gambling addicts may learn to confront their irrational beliefs, namely, the notion that a string of losses or near misses such as two out of three cherries in a slot machine signals an imminent win. Some 80% of addicts never seek treatment and another large percentage do not recognise themselves as addicts, therein lies part of the problem.

Like most things in life this issue is fast-moving and ever-changing, especially with the advent of technology. As Senator Conway-Walsh said, everyone has easy access to gambling, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is often within arm's reach for all of us. As a consequence, protection and the law to protect the individual must change. The complexity of the problem has been well described by fellow Senators, the pain and distress gambling causes to Irish families should not and cannot be underestimated. It is imperative that a regulatory body and framework are established to oversee and manage this growing concern. This motion concerns a responsible approach to gambling, not outlawing, banning or disadvantaging an industry. We must recognise that there is an extensive, regulated, responsible industry contributing significantly to the Exchequer and the economy.

Science has enabled us to understand the phenomenon of gambling and to understand better how addiction functions and affects us but it has not suggested mechanisms to deal with the problem. For this reason, I am happy to support this motion, along with my fellow Senators.