Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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256. To ask the Minister for Health the services available to those wishing to combat gambling addictions or problem gambling; the measures he is taking to tackle this; the number of those presenting with gambling problems to State-supported addiction services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17867/16]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The HSE does not provide specific services for persons with a gambling addiction. Therefore, it is not possible to identify the number of those presenting with gambling problems to State supported addiction services.

Those who present for addiction treatment for gambling are offered the same range of interventions as those who present with a drug and alcohol addiction, or a mental health concern, including an initial assessment, a comprehensive assessment, and individual counselling. Counselling and rehabilitation services provide care to those presenting with a gambling addiction through one to one counselling, financial advice and onward referral to other services and supports where appropriate, such as Gamblers Anonymous.

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Alcohol Drugs Prevalence Survey for 2014/15 has been completed. The Survey will present key findings for 2014/15 on drug use, and for the first time will include prevalence data on gambling. The first results of the Survey are expected shortly and will inform the planning and development of services for those affected by addiction issues, as well as the response to the problem of gambling addiction in this country.