Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if EU-IMF sanction has been obtained allowing the State to retain the proceeds from the sale of the licence for the National Lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37173/11]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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My Department is currently examining how best to maximise the return on the next National Lottery licence for the benefit of the community. As an interim arrangement, the Government has decided to extend the current licence held by An Post National Lottery Company by eighteen months to mid-2013 in order to allow time for the holding of a competition for the award of a new licence.

It is the Government's intention to use some of the proceeds from any up-front payment to contribute towards the costs of the National Children's Hospital. The Troika, in the context of regular technical discussions as part of the Programme of Financial Support, have been informed by my officials of the Government's intent on this matter.

I intend to present a range of options for the licence to the Government in the New Year. A decision will then be made about the precise terms and basis on which a competition for the licence will proceed.