Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I agree with his assessment of the problem and all its human repercussions. My basic point, which I would like the Minister of State to bring back to the Minister for consideration, is the Department of Health should accept addiction to gambling is an issue for it and there should be ring-fenced money and delineated services, as for other illnesses. I appeal to the Minister of State to look at that. I appreciate his response and acceptance of the great problem and the need to deal with it. I know well that is where he is on the issue, but I appeal to him to look at it as a specific issue for the Department of Health, rather than for the Department of Justice, and to look at ring-fenced funding, direct services and support for charities. We are on the one page. It is a question of approach and resources and such. I hope this debate will advance the issue and further progress will result.