Problem gambling destroys lives and one major omission from the legislative programme again is the gambling control Bill. I had expected it would be published in this session but it appears that will not be the case. Problem gambling is leading to the break-up of relationships, mounting debts and the loss of family homes in many cases. The nature of gambling has changed. All anyone has to do now is get on the phone to bet on whatever, wherever. Young people in particular are extremely vulnerable because of the lack of protection. The current legislation is archaic. When will we see the gambling control Bill published and brought forward in order that we can put in place a proper regulatory framework to protect people from addictive gambling?

The Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, has initiated a general process review of regulation of the gambling sector in Ireland. This is a priority area for him. He recently met stakeholders to examine what action can be taken. We are considering the current programme to see if there are particular areas of pressing concern, intended to be dealt with in the gambling control Bill, which could be dealt with sooner in 2017 by separate legislative measures.

I will ask the Minister of State to liaise with the Deputy and let him know the particular issues he is examining because they are quite serious and he believes there is a range of initiatives which can be taken forward before the gambling control Bill is ready.