Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I have certain concerns in this regard. The reason I raise the issue is that I am unsure how the Government will ensure, once the licence goes into private ownership, that 30.5% will go to good causes? How will it be monitored in future? Will there be any Government oversight of the operation or will there be a situation like that involving the HSE whereby the Government cannot answer questions on it because it is not the immediate responsibility of the relevant Minister? Will a Department pass on any questions to a given lotto regulator which would be the only body in a position to answer any questions? That would involve setting up such a body at arms length from the Oireachtas.

Some valid questions remain to be answered. I am rather surprised at the response of Senator D'Arcy to Senator O'Donnell's opening remarks. They were rather thought provoking, well put together and well meaning. We should not rush into the sale of any State assets. I wish to put on the record of the House that the original memorandum of understanding signed by the previous Government made no commitment with regard to figures, sales or the fire sale of any State assets. The revised memorandum of understanding referred to the sale of non-strategic State assets. I call on the Minister to consider the hundreds of charities throughout the country. These charities are strategic in their communities. Those are the charities and community groups that have been funded by the lotto.

I remind Members this is not a frivolous motion, although I accept the Minister is not viewing it as such. It deals with a serious issue that will have a knock-on effect. If this proceeds and God forbid ten years from now we are not hitting the 30% target for good causes, others in this House and in the other House will ask us why we made this decision to sell on the licence for 20 years.