Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his kind comments in regard to Deputy Bacik. The Labour Party is very proud of her. I have no doubt that she will be a loss to the Seanad but a great asset in the Dáil when she takes up her seat.

On gambling, I welcome that the Minister of State said the gambling regulator will have a public health remit because it is public health that is most affected by the outcomes of gambling. I know he is very aware of that. We need to look at what is happening in the public health area. The Minister of State mentioned timelines. I ask him to confirm in his response that a regulator will be in place by the end of the year. It is important there is someone in situ. Previous reports mentioned 2022 and 2023. I ask the Minister of State to confirm when the regulator will be place.

I agree there will be challenges but we need to meet them face-on. The saturation and tokenistic approaches of gambling companies need to end. I am sure the Minister of State is as passionate about that as I am. We have to be passionate for those affected most.