Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When talking about change, we all get nervous. As an agent in Clare selling national lottery products on a daily basis, I have an attachment to the State national lottery and the An Post National Lottery Company. Change is always challenging for everyone. I have thought long and hard about this and I have read the legislation and the supporting documentation. As late as today, I looked at what was produced by the Oireachtas library and research service. It is probably change for the better.

In recent times, I felt the national lottery needed to be changed. I am deeply uncomfortable with the lottery providing an online service, www.lotto.ie, where people can gamble online. One of the criteria of the licence as it applies to agents, usually small shops throughout the country, is that there are rules and regulations prohibiting the sale of lottery products to people under 18 years of age.

If someone has a clear problem with gambling, the agent is obliged to try to ensure that the person does not spend all of his or her resources on gambling. Unfortunately, this type of restraint does not exist in a bookie's. It certainly does not exist online. It will be a challenge for the Minister to address this online issue with a new company, but he has absolute integrity and a long history in politics spanning a number of Governments. He will make his decision based on the best advice and international experience.

I am concerned about the future of the retailer. The national lottery has been the backbone for many families. However, I am reassured by the fact that the commission paid to retailers will be ring-fenced.

Like every Senator, I would like an Irish company to run the national lottery, but we are members of Europe. Is there a way around this issue? If so, the Minister will identify it. During the next 25 years, the national lottery in whatever guise or corporate governance structure will provide much-needed resources for many hundreds of worthwhile projects throughout the country.

I have listened to this interesting debate and I look forward to discussing the legislation when it is laid before us. I wish the Minister well in his endeavour.

I have also been asked to second the amendment, which I do now.