Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

That is my first question. Members opposite are open to a charge of hypocrisy if they continue to talk out of both sides of their mouths. They should vote with the Opposition, if they believe what we say is right. If not, they should not say two things.

In light of my Adjournment matter on Tuesday, I ask the Leader for a debate on the national lottery and on where the money it raises is going. In his reply, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Martin Cullen, stated the money from the national lottery goes into Exchequer finances. I believe the decision by the Minister to put a freeze on the sports capital programme is wrong. It sends the wrong message to the sporting community and voluntary groups but, more important, it stops us as a nation and a society from building a sustainable community. We have benefited greatly from the sports capital programme. I would much prefer to see the national lottery funding local sporting and community groups rather than sponsoring "Coronation Street" on TV3.

I join with Senator Norris in condemning Eircom, a private company——