Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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384. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to regulate persons and or groups that offer advice on responsible gambling; his further plans to regulate the setting up of awareness and education groups and or associations regarding offering services and advice on gambling addiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8122/17]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The regulation of persons or groups that offer advice on responsible gambling does not come within the remit of the Department of Health.

The Department of Justice and Equality is responsible for the regulation of the gambling industry. The General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill was published in July 2013 following approval by the Government and is currently in drafting by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The Bill as proposed will update all existing laws on the regulation of gambling including betting and gaming but excluding the National Lottery. It will have consumer protection generally as one of its core principles, will provide for the licensing of all forms of on-line gambling and will include measures that will require licence holders to act in a socially responsible way.

While the HSE does not provide specific services for persons with a gambling addiction, those who present for treatment for gambling addiction 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.

Psychotherapists and counsellors are not currently regulated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. However, similar to other practitioners they are subject to legislation including consumer legislation, competition, contract and criminal law.