25 March 2021 RHRG APG Meeting Minutes
Minutes - RHRG APG Inquiry session 8
Topic: Product safety and design, and affordability checks
Date: Thursday, 25 March 2021
Time: 1:30pm
Location: Virtual Meeting via Zoom platform
Chairperson: Robbie Butler MLA
Minute taker: Megan McDermott, Chambré
Members Present
Robbie Butler MLA (RB)
Philip McGuigan MLA
Apologies
Andy Allen MLA
David Hilditch MLA
Paula Bradley MLA
External guests
Charles Ritchie, Gambling with Lives (GwL)
James Noyes, Social Market Foundation
John Kyle, Belfast City Council
Julie Aiken, Samaritans
Justin Keogh, GwL
Leanne Thompson, Department of Health
Liz Ritchie, GwL
Martina Campbell, Department for Communities (DfC)
Megan McDermott, Chambré
Mhairi Kernaghan, DfC
Peter Keogh, GwL
Rebecca Stevenson , CARE NI
Sadie Keogh, GwL
Will Chambré, Chambré
Welcome
RB opened the meeting and advised attendees that the session would be recorded.
Minutes of last meeting
It was agreed that the minutes gave a true and accurate reflection of the last meeting of the group held on 11 March.
Matters arising
RB reminded members that it was agreed at the last meeting that the APG would write to banks with a presence in NI to ask what measures they have put in place to facilitate a reduction in gambling related harm. RB said he understands the secretariat are currently in the process of drafting a letter and pulling together the contact details for each of the banks.
APG submission to the draft Mental Health Strategy
RB noted that members had been provided with a copy of the APG’s response to the Department of Health’s public consultation on a 10-year Mental Health Strategy. He asked were members content that this is submitted on behalf of the APG ahead of tomorrow’s consultation deadline? Members agreed.
Meeting with the Mental Health Champion
RB informed members that on Friday, 19 march, he along with the APG secretariat, met with the Mental Health Champion, Siobhán O’Neill, to discuss how her office can support the work of the APG. RB said he was very grateful for the support and encouragement shown by the Mental Health Champion’s Office which will be including some of the recommendations of this APG in its submission to the 10-year Mental Health Strategy consultation. RB said he will continue to keep the APG updated on any future engagement.
Oral evidence from:
Dr James Noyes, Senior Fellow with the Social Market Foundation.
Liz and Charles Ritchie, Co-Chairs and Co-Founders Gambling with Lives.
Questions
Witnesses took questions from members
AOB
None
Next meeting
RB informed members that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, 15 April at 1:15.