To ask the Minister of Health whether he will introduce screening programmes across all health and social care services to identify and assist people with gambling problems.

In line with the usual process for commissioning services, any decision to commission bespoke gambling treatment services in the future would need to be based on an assessment of the level of demand for services, to create a fuller understanding of the population need in Northern Ireland and in the context of future budget availability. Funding for services aimed at prevention and treatment of gambling harm would require new or additional funding.

In order to develop a fuller understanding of the population need in Northern Ireland, my Department is working collaboratively with officials in the Department for Communities to build an evidence base on the level of problem gambling in Northern Ireland and its associated harms.

Whilst there are currently no plans to introduce screening programmes in Northern Ireland to identify and assist people with gambling problems, my officials will consider the options for the implementation of recommendations in the All Party Group report on gambling, including screening, should funding become available.