APG holds eighth session of its inquiry into public health approaches to tackling gambling-related harms

On Monday (19 June) the Northern Ireland All Party Group (APG) on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling met for the eighth oral evidence session of its inquiry into public health approaches to tackling gambling-related harms. The group heard evidence from Marguerite Regan, representing the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities, Dr Paul Kitchin, representing Ulster University and Oscar Donnelly, representing the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

Marguerite Regan spoke of ways to further our understanding and knowledge of gambling related harms, including increasing the commission of gambling research, building interest & research capacity and enabling access to industry held data for researchers. These recommendations were echoed by Dr Paul Kitchin, who added that research independence from the industry is required for a comprehensive public health approach to gambling,

Oscar Donnelly said that NI should adopt a public health, population level approach to gambling harms, saying that there is evidence of public support for this. He argued that this needs to be a cross-departmental initiative that engages with key stakeholders, including those with lived experience.

The group also held its AGM, where Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin) was elected Chair, Robbie Butler (UUP) Vice-Chair, Danny Donnelly (Alliance) Secretary and Paul Frew (DUP) Treasurer.

The next meeting will take place on Monday 11 September.

To view Monday's session in full, click here.