Ms Angela Kerins:

It will not only have an impact on Rehab. It will have a significant impact on services provided by many other organisations, including Gael Linn, the Asthma Society of Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society. The income we earn through charity lotteries is independent and sustains many services the State cannot afford. The proposed legislation will make a very bad situation absolutely worse. If anything, it will eliminate the charity lotteries. In a time of austerity when the Government cannot afford the services required by people with disabilities and older people, it will prevent us from earning our own income to deliver services. It is very disappointing. Over a number of years we came to an agreement to allow the national lottery to grow and the mat has been pulled from under our feet. If the legislation remains as drafted, it will eliminate the charity lotteries. For the first time it will put a cap of €1,750 on the top prize.