Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to allow for an increase in the number of National Lottery machines arising from the increased population as shown in the recent census; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33701/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Under Section 7 of the National Lottery Act 1986, the total number of persons who may be authorised to sell National Lottery tickets is determined by the National Lottery Company with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

The licence granted by the Minister for Finance to An Post National Lottery Company to operate the National Lottery sets out incremental annual targets for the number of Lottery machines.

The National Lottery Company has designed its agent network to meet the Company's requirements in relation to its overall marketing strategy and its need to ensure that the appropriate mix of lottery products is available at retail outlets that will optimise sales while fulfilling its commitments to provide reasonable access to lottery games throughout the country. The Company continuously reviews its agent network in this context, taking into account demographic changes.