26 November 2020 RHRG APG Meeting Minutes

Minutes - RHRG APG Inquiry Session 1
Topic: Understanding the impact of gambling related harm
Date: Thursday 26th November 2020
Time: 1:00pm
Location: Remote via Zoom
Chairperson: Robbie Butler MLA
Minute taker: Megan McDermott, Chambré

Members Present
Robbie Butler MLA (RB)
Philip McGuigan MLA
Jim Wells MLA
Justin McNulty MLA
Maolíosa McHugh MLA
Paula Bradley MLA
Paula Bradshaw MLA

Apologies
David Hilditch MLA
Gordon Dunne MLA
Jonathan Buckley MLA
Pam Cameron MLA
Pat Catney MLA

External guests
Adrian Lyons, witness
Andy Allen MLA
Barry Grant, Extern
Charles Ritchie, Gambling with Lives
James Moyne
Jasmine Thompson, Chambré
Leanne Thompson, Department of Health
Mark Baillie, Policy Officer, CARE NI (Secretariat)
Martina Campbell, Department for Communities
Megan McDermott, Chambré
Oisín McConville, witness
Paul Keogh, witness
Sadie Keogh, witness
Tony O’Reilly, addiction counsellor
Will Chambré, Chambré

Minutes

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 17 September.

Matters arising
None

Oral evidence from individuals and families affected by gambling related harm
Witnesses:

• Oisín McConville, addiction counsellor & recovered compulsive gambler

• Pete and Sadie Keogh, Gambling with Lives

• Adrian Lyons, recovered compulsive gambler
  

Questions
Witnesses took questions from members

AOB
None

Next meeting
RB informed members that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, 10 December at 1:30. It will look at current treatment and prevention of gambling related harm and hear from health & social care groups.