Sale of National Lottery licence ‘will mean more funds for good causes’

I refer to an article in yesterday’s edition by Mr Paul Mills entitled “Government puts vested interests above ours” and particularly to the reference in the article to the National Lottery.

I note in particular Mr Mills’ misleading claim that the operator of the next National Lottery licence will return less of its income to good causes.

Firstly, it is worth noting that under existing arrangements National Lottery sales have fallen and there is less money available for good causes.

Under the next licence, a competition for which is currently taking place, the National Lottery operator will be better placed to reverse this trend and boost the level of sales of National Lottery tickets.

This increase will be facilitated by the terms of both the next licence and the National Lottery Act 2013 which will offer the holder of the next licence greater flexibility for the growth and development of lottery games and distribution channels, including interactive channels.

However, it is important to emphasise that this will be achieved in a responsible manner which protects the interests of National Lottery players and ensures that the long-term sustainability of the National Lottery is safeguarded.

I am very confident that under the new arrangements, the level of annual returns for good causes, which include sport, culture, health of the community and the natural environment, will grow significantly from the 2012 amount of €225 million.

More worthwhile projects being funded in more places across the country will be the outcome.

I should also point out that the successful bidder for the next licence will make an upfront payment to the State in return for a 20-year licence to operate the National Lottery.

Part of this upfront payment will be used to fund the construction of the new National Children’s Hospital.

Brendan Howlin, TD

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform