Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

That is the most important point that we must take from this debate today.

I welcome the Minister of State with responsibility for public expenditure and reform, Deputy Hayes, into the House today. I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead this debate on the Bill on behalf of the Labour Party group. We all know that the national lottery has been a constant feature of our lives since 1986. At that time there was much posturing about whether it would be a good idea to introduce it in the first instance and whether it would lead more people to gamble. The results speak for themselves and the Irish people and associated philanthropic organisations are very pleased with it.

I commend the Minister of State and his Department on the introduction of this Bill. This is a pivotal point in our recent economic history as this Bill will allow for the national lottery licence to be sold to acquire funds to assist in remedying the economic crisis in which we have found ourselves over the past few years. The Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, has worked with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, to bring the country's finances back on track and for that they all deserve the highest recognition. This Bill will go some way towards rectifying our economy through the money it will raise. Worthwhile projects will come to fruition on the back of that which will ultimately lead to job creation. None of us in this House should oppose that given that 450,000 people in Ireland are on the dole.

The current licence as operated by An Post expires at the end of June 2013 and the expiry of that contract is giving the State an opportunity to raise much-needed moneys. It is important to remember that the asset of the national lottery itself is not being sold as I highlighted at the outset of my speech.