…Deputy Matt Shanahan - Our banking sector is failing those in gambling addiction recovery. I am referencing the failure of the Irish banks, aside from Revolut, to offer gambling blocks to payment cards. This provides people with the option of preventing any and all gambling activity for 24 to 48 hours while they consider and fully contemplate the decision. The protocols are widespread and available in the UK banking sector and the evidence shows that they have a major part to play in helping people in recovering from addiction. In 2019, AIB and Bank of Ireland publicly stated that they were considering introducing gambling blocks but they have not done so to date. I welcome the development of the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland and the new Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, but I point out to the Taoiseach that this gambling issue is not covered. Will the Government request a meeting with the banks to see what stage they are currently at in the introduction of gambling blocks, and will this initiative be proposed in pending legislation?

Leo Varadkar, The Taoiseach - I thank Deputy Shanahan for raising this very important issue. We have very serious problem in this country with gambling addiction and it is getting worse. Of course, it has been amplified by the fact that it is so easy to gamble online and make purchases online. As the Deputy knows, the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, is currently bringing that legislation through the House. I am not sure exactly what the situation is with the banks and the blocks the Deputy mentioned, but I will make inquiries with the Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, and Minister of State, Deputy Browne, to see if we can act on that.