Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Do not interrupt me. I understand what she stated and I also understand her point on the national lottery, which is to be sold. We must cut our cloth according to our measure. The Government would not dream of selling the national lottery if the finances of the State were not what they are. My question on the sale of the national lottery is whether we will get value for money. It has been stated that in any sale 30% will be kept for good causes and charity. We should have a debate on this and I thank Senator O'Donnell for raising the issue. It has ¤772 million in sales and ¤419 million has been given out. There was a surplus of ¤243 million and it costs ¤108 million. If it is sold for between ¤400 million and ¤600 million it will not take into account new technology. Online sales for gambling have increased by between 30% and 50% in six months. Like Senator O'Donnell, I also call for a debate on this and on a revaluation of the money.