Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

How does one follow Senator Cassells's very powerful contribution? Part of me just wants to say "Hear, hear." There is no question but that gambling is an appalling blight on families throughout our country. Senator Wall read out an email from someone who was affected by gambling. When he referred to this person as "she", it came as a surprise. That is one of the issues. There is misperception that this is a men's issue when it is not. It affects both men and women. Women are also affected through bingo and the many apps women can use which give them a sense of community. People are connected with one another if they are all in it together. All the while, lives are being stolen. Homes are being stolen from people as their vulnerability and addiction is preyed upon.

I welcome the establishment of the regulator. The Minister of State indicated that the regulator will be resourced. I really want him to make sure it has really strong teeth to allow it to tear apart those things that are undermining individuals, and their families, through the exploitation of their vulnerabilities. Throughout the Covid pandemic, we have seen an absolute explosion in addiction across the board, whether it is to drink, drugs or gambling. To hear the profits being announced despite the absence of those sporting events that would normally be bet upon is shocking and drives home the message that gambling, and people's spending on it, has just exploded.

The phones in certain people's hands are their greatest enemy. They cannot be escaped. At least a betting shop closes, as does the pub and the off licence in the case of a drinker. The phone in the hand is so accessible that we need to ensure that promotional codes are banned altogether. We need to take a strong stance against that. People can stop using the app but still find themselves getting emails and flashing promotional codes or free opportunities to bet.

My final point is on advertising. We need to make sure that this is kept to after the watershed. I am horrified that my six-year-old knows the name of one of the bookies. She knows the colour worn by that man who comes on the television and makes it seem so fantastic to be part of this. There are attractive, fluffy ads aimed at people who are lonely and isolated. We need to make sure these are shown only after the watershed. The national lottery should not be advertised in the middle of a family film on a Saturday evening.