New charity launched to address problem gambling in Ireland

A new charity has been set up to fund services tackling problem gambling in Ireland. The Gambling Awareness Trust will have access to over €1 million per year, which will be directed towards providing research, awareness, education and counselling in relation to gambling issues.

The trust will be overseen by an independent board of directors and will be chaired by Tom Hayes, a former minister of state for agriculture. The board also includes Kathleen Lynch, a former minister of state for primary care, mental health and disability, John Forde, a retired garda superintendent, Willie Collins, former CEO and clinical director of Aiseiri addiction services, and Gillian Hussey, a retired District Court judge.

The trust will shortly invite proposals from the fields of research, education and counselling. The first round of funding is expected to be made before the end of this year.

Hayes said: “The setting up of the trust is a recognition of the growing concern about the harm gambling can cause for some people in Irish society and the need for an independent structured funding body to select and fund such services. The trust will receive funding from several sources including the gambling industry.

“The aim of the trust is to fund important services dealing with gambling problems and to promote awareness and education about responsible gambling.”

Hayes added: “While we are waiting for the government’s Gambling Control Bill to be enacted, today’s announcement is a recognition that action in this area is needed now and should not wait for the political system.”

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