Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. The Minister of State is very welcome to the House. I welcome his commitment on this issue. We need to push on with it. It is evident from the contributions on this issue from across the House today - I was following the broadcast of the proceedings in my office - that there has been unending commitment and that we have a common goal, which is for the Minister of State and his Department to succeed in implementing proper gambling regulations.

All Members recognise there is a significant gambling problem. There are other addictions such as drugs and alcohol and we need to be aware of those problems and deal with their consequences, but gambling is secret and goes on behind closed doors. It is usually only uncovered when it is a situation of last resort and homes and possibly lives are lost and families are ruined. I have seen lives being destroyed by gambling. It is incredible to see a family just torn apart. I hope this is the start of stopping that from happening.

I have always advocated prevention being better than a cure. We need to prevent people falling down the rabbit hole of gambling addiction. Recent research found that 40,000 people in Ireland have a gambling addiction. More than 40% of the adult population plays the national lottery regularly and approximately 12% of adults bet with a bookmaker weekly. As a non-gambler, I find that phenomenal. Each year, €5 billion is gambled. That is approximately €10,000 every minute.

I very much welcome the commitment of the Minister of State. All Members agree that effective regulation is necessary for this industry. We need the gambling regulator to have teeth, be strong and have enforcement powers to stop advertising. The increase in advertising in recent times has been incredible. Senator Seery Kearney mentioned that her child recognises gambling businesses, as do my children. These advertisements portray it as a fun family activity, with everyone coming together in the living room and having great craic. It is not great craic because gambling can ruin lives. Everything in moderation, but there needs to be proper regulation. I look forward to such regulation being put in place.