Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to be associated with Senator Carrigy's remarks and the work he has done with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Autism. I am a member of that committee, which has done terrific work. We look forward to the implementation of the 109 recommendations set out in our report. I encourage all Members to do the training, which I hope to avail of next week at the next session.

At 4 p.m. today, the Select Committee on Justice of the Dáil will debate the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022. It is not the first time that I have raised the issue in this House. Along with Senator O'Reilly and other colleagues, I have raised issues around gambling over a long period since becoming a Member of the House. The area that I specifically wish to mention today is that of gambling advertising. It is my understanding that the Government will propose a watershed from 5.30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and that all gambling ads will be banned during that time. In my opinion and that of many others, including Members of this House, that simply does not go far enough. Nine o'clock in the evening is the time when many families get the chance to start watching TV, after they put the children to bed and make sure everything is okay. They are watching TV or looking at social media at that time. It is the time that many of those who have developed addiction or are at risk of doing so actually get a chance to watch TV. This country needs to follow the example of the Netherlands, which proposed a 24-7 ban only two weeks ago; and of Belgium, which introduced a 24-7 ban on gambling advertising on 1 July. Basically, the aim is to stop the tsunami of gambling ads that we are all exposed to when we are watching sports. The marketing departments of these gambling companies have been very strong in encouraging us and gambling ads to come together at various points on sporting occasions. In our opinion, we must introduce a 24-7 ban on gambling ads to enable everyone to enjoy sporting occasions again. I know that the legislation will be coming before this House but I hope that the select committee will take the positive step of considering a 24-7 ban rather than a watershed.

The second item I want to raise today, which I raised last week, is the Labour Party debate in the Dáil tomorrow on football in this country, particularly in relation to the funding of football in this country. The FAI has published a report recently indicating it will need somewhere in the region of €850 million to fund football in this country, from grassroots right up to international level. It is seeking support from the Government for €500 million over 15 years. We know, from figures from the FAI and other sporting organisations, that there is a lack of facilities in this country. I ask that on our return in the autumn, we invite the Minister responsible for sport to the House in order that we can debate the FAI report and, in particular, sporting facilities. I know there will be a very good debate in the Dáil tomorrow and many sporting clubs, and football clubs in particular, are coming up from the country to hear that important debate.