Minutes - RHRG APG Meeting
Date: Monday 5 September 2022
Time: 12:00pm
Location: Committee Room 30, Parliament Buildings
Chairperson: Robbie Butler MLA
Minutes taken by: Connor Hogan, Chambré
Members Present
Robbie Butler MLA
Philip McGuigan MLA
Cathy Mason MLA
Danny Donnelly MLA
Apologies
Paula Bradshaw MLA
Pam Cameron MLA
Brian Kingston MLA
Stephen Dunne MLA
Nick Mathison MLA
Maolíosa McHugh MLA
William Irwin MLA
John Stewart MLA
External Guests
Martina Campbell – Department for Communities
Ciarán Mee – Department for Communities
Emer Boyle – Assembly Communities Committee Clerk
Debbie Sharpe – Department of Health
Samantha Robb – Constituency Manager for Nick Mathison MLA
Erin McEvoy – Ulster University
Johnny Stewart – Open Strategic Communications
Pete Keogh – Gambling with Lives
Sadie Keogh – Gambling with Lives
Rebecca Stevenson – CARE
Chris McAffee – Clerical Officer NI Assembly
Will Chambré – Chambré
James Mayne - Chambré
Connor Hogan – Chambré
Minutes
1. Welcome
Robbie Butler MLA welcomed members to the meeting.
2. Introductory Remarks
The Chairperson gave an overview of the prevalence of gambling harm in NI, the work of the APG to date and reform in GB and ROI. He then stated that it was the APG’s intention with this meeting to review and approve the group’s report on its gaming machine inquiry, and to discuss the forward work programme.
3. Gaming Machine Report
Members thanked the secretariat for producing the final report on the APG’s inquiry into gaming machines. It was confirmed that this report will be circulated among observers following the meeting, ahead of the launch event on 26 September.
Agreed: members approved the report.
4. Introduction to Forward Work Programme
The Chair introduced the forward work programme, making reference to a discussion document which was circulated among members. The document outlines four broad areas the APG might focus on. These are:
1. Consideration of public health approaches to reducing harms related to gambling as part of the Department’s current review of gambling policy, ahead the second phase of reform
2. Protecting children and young people from gambling related harms
3. Protecting citizens here from the advertising of products and services via TV and the internet, and the use of personal data, by gambling operators licenced by the GB Gambling Commission and Information Commissioner’s Office
4. Engagement with colleagues in GB and ROI to inform our approach to gambling reform here.
5. Public Health Approaches
Members discussed proposals to advance the recognition of gambling as a public health issue in NI:
· Members suggested that the APG undertake an inquiry into public health approaches to gambling-related harm in NI.
· Members suggested we arrange meetings with Department of Health officials, as well as with figures like the Mental Health Champion, Siobhan O’Neill.
· Members also suggested that the secretariat arrange a briefing on what other jurisdictions are doing as regards gambling and public health.
· In response to a question from members, the Department for Communities officials confirmed that they do not currently collect data on FOBTs in NI.
Agreed: The Secretariat will begin preparations for an inquiry into public health approaches to gambling in NI. This will include drafting a schedule for written and oral evidence sessions.
6. Young People
· Members stressed that the prevention of gambling-related harm with young people should be “upstream” as well as downstream.
· The Chair suggested that the APG reach out to organisations such as YGAM, or to Barry Fennell of Gambling with Lives, to brief members on their education programmes.
· Members also suggested evidence sessions with officials from the Department of Education, the Education Authority, CCEA and other stakeholders.
· Members raised the importance of trying to get education on gambling-related harm as a mandatory feature of curricula in NI.
· The Vice-Chair emphasised the connection between the education and public health aspects of tackling gambling-related harm.
Agreed: The Secretariat will approach various stakeholders in education to organise evidence sessions, and will produce a timetable for this.
7. Advertising & Data
· The Chairperson emphasised that though these are reserved matters, the APG has an important role to play in protecting NI consumers and influencing policy. He added that the UK Government has a duty of care to all of its citizens.
· Members suggested the APG work with GB-based organisations on the use/misuse of data and advertising., such as Clean Up Gambling and the Big Step.
Agreed: The Secretariat will seek to arrange evidence sessions on gambling advertising and the use of personal data by the industry.
8. Cross-jurisdictional engagement
· The secretariat is due to meet with the Westminster APPG secretariat this week, to identify areas of co-operation between the two groups.
· Members also suggested meeting Carolyn Harris MP, members of the Welsh and Scottish devolved parliaments, and with the Department of Justice in the Republic.
Agreed: The Secretariat will report back on its meeting with the APPG, and pursue meetings with legislators and other officials in GB and ROI.
9. Any other Business
· Officials from the Department for Communities confirmed that a revised draft Codes of Practice for land-based operators will be published in the coming months, but were unable to give a timescale.
· The secretariat is currently drafting a response to the PSNI’s most recent letter regarding the law on FOBTs.
· Erin McEvoy agreed to brief the APG on her PhD work when finished, which focuses on women on the island of Ireland who are recovering from gambling addiction, and the impact of advertising on them.
10. Date of Next Meeting
Monday 5 December. Gaming Machine Report Launch on the 26 September.