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Addiction Treatment Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2026

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

Ceisteanna (1974, 1975, 1976)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1974. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health given the online gambling epidemic that we are currently experiencing in Ireland, to set out in detail the resources allocated within her Department on this policy area, in particular to set out the number of staff working in this policy area, in tabular form; the steps her Department has taken for policy initiatives to combat this growing mental health issue, especially for young men in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42000/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1975. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the new initiatives her Department are taking to protect vulnerable people, especially young men, in view that the growing gambling epidemic is now a major national mental health challenge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42001/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1976. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the research her Department has undertaken into the rise of online gambling in rural areas and the associated mental health issues, especially amongst young adults; the policy initiatives planned to help deal with this growing crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42002/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Question No 1974, 1975 and 1976 together.

Statutory responsibility for the regulation of gambling including online gambling in Ireland falls under the Department of Justice and the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).

The GRAI is responsible for awareness-raising and public education about gambling harms, alongside its wider regulatory and licensing functions.  https://www.grai.ie/

GRAI's role is to make sure that gambling is well regulated and fair, that standards are in place and monitored, and that protections are there for those who are most vulnerable, particularly children. It also works to prevent gambling from being a source or support to crime, putting certain limits on advertising and inducements, and raising greater awareness of gambling harms.

The Dept has provided €1m to the HSE to develop eight bespoke services across the country to support people experiencing problem gambling and gaming. These services provide a number of interventions including one to one counselling, family support and peer and group support. More information on these services is available in the [Services Map].

The HSE has also commissioned an evidence review on interventions, approaches and guidelines for gambling and gaming addiction, which was published in 2025. Interventions_approaches_and_guidelines_for_gambling_and_gaming-addictions_review.pdf

The Dept has published [Pathways to Wellbeing–National Mental Health Promotion Plan]. The aim of Pathways to Wellbeing is to promote positive mental health for everyone, and to deliver actions across government which improve people’s mental health and wellbeing through universal supports for all, and targeted supports addressing the needs of those most at risk of experiencing mental health difficulties. It has a goal is to enhance children’s and young people’s social and emotional development, including the objective to provide targeted social, emotional, and behaviour support to ensure that the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people most at risk of developing mental health difficulties are addressed.

Question No 1975 answered with Question No 1974.
Question No 1976 answered with Question No 1974.
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