Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

At the beginning of this term I set myself an objective to continue harassing the Leader until the gambling regulation Bill came to the floor of the House and we appointed a gambling regulator. The Leader has been extremely responsive and organised a debate for me, to which a Minister responded. On many occasions I have outlined what a tragedy gambling is for people. There are approximately 30,000 people in Ireland with a gambling addiction. Charities have reported a 46% increase in people with gambling difficulties during Covid, in particular online. There is a move towards using smart phones and PCs. Very ominously, smart phones are now very much part of the gambling mix. When sports were off, poker games online became a big issue. When will the Bill come before the House? When will we have a regulator? I have no reason to doubt the sound promise made by the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, but when will that be implemented? Will the Leader ensure that happens?

The next thing I will harass the Leader about over the coming weeks is CAMHS and waiting lists for childhood and adolescent mental health services. I gather in the region of 2,500 people were waiting at the worst point. I understand some efforts were made this year. My question relates to what Senator Seery Kearney said about childhood. What steps will be taken to address waiting lists? Could the Leader get a response for me on that? Could she commit to a debate on this in the House? I will raise this, along with gambling, until both matters are resolved.