We’re the real victims: Rehab bosses

Rehab chiefs insisted they are the real victims in the ongoing financial controversy and blamed Government policy for the minuscule profits delivered on their scratch card lottery scheme.

“I’d be very surprised if public opinion is not on our side. We’re the injured party and we are the victims,” said Rehab Lotteries board member John Maguire, who insisted profits were low because the Government prize limit of €20,000 per week and the dominant position of the National Lottery had prevented Rehab from developing its lottery business.

Amid calls for greater transparency in the charities sector, Rehab, which received €41.3m in government funding in 2012, did not fully explain how the company incurred €1.3m in costs on the scratch card lottery game which had achieved €4m in sales.