Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)

I move:

"That Seanad Éireann:

notes the decision of the Government to conduct a competitive process for award of a licence to operate the National Lottery over a 20 year period;

considers the National Lottery one of the most valued resources owned and funded by the Irish people; and

therefore calls on the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to make proposals to Government to reconsider this decision.".

The Minister has declared his intention to open to bids the licence to operate the national lottery. The purchase of the lottery licence for 20 years will deliver money necessary for the children's hospital or maybe other matters, but it surely will deliver a great deal of money.

The Minister has also assured us that funding for good causes will be ring-fenced. Some 30.5% of the profits from the national lottery will continue to go to good causes. This is good news for the country and it is a great story all round, with no cost to anyone. I am not so sure.

First, I thank the Minister for coming into the House today. I want to speak to him with respect to his office, his ability, his talent and his attention. Unfortunately, I am strongly of the view that his intention to sell the operating licence for the national lottery is unthinking. I would go so far as to say it is "unethical" and I will tell him why.

I respectfully suggest with dignity that the operating licence for the national lottery is not the Minister's to sell. It is not the Taoiseach's to sell, it is not mine to sell and it is not ours to sell.