Lottery funds ‘pilfered’ by Government

THE National Lottery jackpot this weekend will be another bumper prize. We have been told for years the benefit of the lottery wasn’t for the millionaires it created but the good causes it supported.

These were areas that were in need of funding but could not always rely on central government. Fair enough, one might say.

However, lottery players should be aware this deal is no longer honoured by the Government and that good causes such as youth sport and the arts are now been subjected to massive cuts.

In 2007, the National Lottery income increased by more than €28 million, or 13%, yet youth organisations are now faced with cuts of 10% and more. So when people go out to play the lotto today they should be aware their contributions to good causes are actually being pilfered by the Government and are going into the black hole of general government finances rather than increasing the amounts available to good causes.

Michael McLoughlin

Youth Work Ireland

20 Lr Dominic Street

Dublin 1