Ivana Bacik (Independent)

That option is open to the State, even if we are awarding a licence to run the national lottery. Clearly, there is potential to run other more limited or specific sweepstakes with different terms and conditions, for example, on condition that money would be raised to fund specific building projects. I see this as a constructive suggestion, one I hope the Government will consider seriously. While this is not about the sale of a State asset, I hope we will have other debates on the sale of such assets. Senator Aideen Hayden mentioned assets of strategic importance. It is clear from the programme for Government that there will be specific checks to ensure there is no sale of a strategic asset. This is not about the sale of an asset, rather it is about putting out to tender a current licence which is due to expire shortly. In a sensible way, with considered and careful consultation with stakeholders, the licence will be put out to tender again. I, therefore, support the Government's counter motion.