Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after '"Seanad Éireann"' and substitute the following:

"welcomes the decision of the Government to hold a competition for the next licence to operate the National Lottery for the period 2013-2033 in compliance with EU legal requirements;

recognises the major achievements to date of the National Lottery and the widespread support of the Irish public for the Lottery;

recognises the need for the State in the current economic situation to pursue opportunities to generate additional revenues that do not impact on taxpayers;

welcomes the fact that the terms of the next licence will continue to involve an ongoing payment to the State through the provision of a fixed percentage of 30.5% of annual National Lottery turnover for good causes; and

welcomes the fact that the new licence will also involve an upfront payment to the State, with some of the payment being used to help fund the building of the proposed new National Children's Hospital".

It is a pleasure to follow Senators Mary Ann O'Brien and Marie-Louise O'Donnell. I must be honest and state that Senator O'Donnell's contribution sounded great but there was really nothing in it. I am surprised by that fact. The reality is that the licence to run the national lottery is going to public tender. This is no different to the position with any other licence.