Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I cannot confirm Deputy Naughten's figures but the net cost would be higher than the gross cost when PRSI and VAT are included. Of course, one needs to have the money in the first place because it has to be spent before VAT and PRSI can be recouped. Bear in mind that when €30 million is allocated on the expenditure side the amount returned in VAT and PRSI is already counted on the revenue side.

The Lotto franchise is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform but I can advise Deputy Ellis that the Government has decided to sell the franchise. Most of the money earned from the sale will be invested in the new children's hospital, assuming it receives planning permission.

In regard to Deputy Keating's question, the scheme sets out specific criteria where applications come from a number of organisations working together or with a local authority, and they will score higher if they do so.

If, for example, a soccer club and a GAA club got together, with or without the local authority, they would get bonus points in the scoring system.

In response to Deputy Murphy's question, I have approached some private companies and individuals, largely with regard to funding projects, at the sports campus or coaching programmes and so on, but I have not had much success on that yet. However, I am still working on that. With regard to Deputy Dooley's question, I am sure if he writes to the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, he will be happy to respond to him.

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