Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The ESRI's pension scheme was taken under the remit of the State at the same time as the university pension schemes were dealt with by the previous Administration. I am advised in respect of the ESRI and IPA that the net contribution they make to the State, which we take in as appropriations-in-aid, is greater than the cost of pensions. Therefore, there is a net benefit to us in current terms but, obviously, one must account for the actuarial cost. The ESRI was taken in as part of the academic infrastructure when the universities were dealt with. The IPA, again a State agency, always had a pension guaranteed by the State. This has been the case since its inception and remains the case. Currently, more is being paid than received, with a net benefit to my Department.

With regard to the national lottery, I will send the Deputy a specific breakdown on the €500,000 set-up cost. Under the legislation, once commenced, that is to be funded by the new licensee. We must make provision such that the arrangement will be in place in advance of the set-up. The new franchisee or licence holder is expected to be operational towards the end of this year, as I indicated. The Deputy will remember we said we would take the payment in two moieties. Both the first €200 million and the second €200 million will now be paid this year. We will ring-fence the second payment for the National Children's Hospital. The final contractual work has been done. As the Deputy will remember, there were some negotiations in the Labour Court on staffing. A Labour Court recommendation, recommended by the unions, is being voted on. All matters will be finalised in the coming weeks.