Mr. Liam Sloyan:

There was a question about how proactively we operated and whether we just asked for reports when things went wrong. We certainly ask for reports when things go wrong. However, we do not just leave it at that. The reports we receive are reviewed and we go back to ensure whatever went wrong is being addressed properly.

Outside that area, there are some reviews we carry out on our own intiative such as the review currently taking place of the risk management processes and structures within PLI, which I consider to be proactive. We also look rigorously at requests for approvals that we receive from the operator. When we receive these requests, we make sure they address the issues we must have addressed. At times amendments are required to address these issues. I assure the committee that we are proactive in our work.

Another question was about our involvement in the decision to postpone the draw. The rules for the lotto provide for the operator postponing the draw in given circumstances and these circumstances arose on that day. As such, it was a decision purely for the operator under the rules that had been approved and the operator made that decision. I was informed beforehand, but the decision was the operator's.

Regarding whether I think the regulator is adequately resourced, we have an income of €1.5 million per annum and resources for ten staff. I consider this to be adequate. If my views change at any time I will bring this to the attention of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

There was a suggestion that because the levy came from the operator, it might compromise the office in some way. I do not accept this. The net ticket sale receipts are transferred to the lottery fund. At that point it is under my control and I take out the levy. There is no question of PLI deciding that it does not like how I do my job and that it will not pay me this quarter or month. There is no question of any element of compromise.

On publication of the licence, this is important. It is something on which we are focused and to which we will be turning shortly. I appreciate that it is included in the legislation. There is also a process under the legislation relating to ensuring that where we release commercially sensitive information, it is done because there is an overriding public interest. We will be going through the process very shortly and looking to publish the licence.