Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Thomas Byrne for tabling the amendment and giving me the opportunity, as I have done repeatedly on Second and Committee Stages, to assure the House that the contractual rights of the employees of the current national lottery will be fully protected. As I indicated previously, my officials have had discussions regarding the staff of the national lottery with the company itself and relevant parties such as the management of the national lottery, An Post and all the trade union representatives. Those discussions have been ongoing and focused on clarifying the issues that arise for workers in the context of the next licence. I cannot be entirely prescriptive because it will depend on the nature of the next licensee but I can assure the House we are mindful of the legal rights of staff and they will be safeguarded. Therefore, I do not believe the amendment is necessary.