Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for the future of the national lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12206/12]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will meet and engage with the lotto retailers in advance of any plans to privatise the national lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12212/12]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for maintaining retailers' commission from lotto sales in the event of privatisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12214/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 to 205, inclusive, together.

I announced on 10th November 2011, in the context of unveiling the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework 2012 – 2016, that the Government has decided to review a number of options regarding the future of the National Lottery. My Department is currently examining the various options with respect to the next Lottery licence and I expect to be in a position to revert to Government in the near future.

The Government's intention is to seek a large upfront payment to the State as part of the arrangements for the new licence, with some of the payment to be used to help fund the building of the proposed new National Paediatric Hospital. Any new arrangements for the National Lottery will also involve the continued provision of significant annual revenues from the Lottery for good causes. However, in advance of a final decision by Government on how to proceed on the matter, it would be premature for me to speculate at this stage on possible terms for the next licence.

In relation to retailers, I am cognisant of the important role which retailers play in the operation of the National Lottery. I am also aware of the importance to retailers of income from the Lottery, particularly in the present economic climate. I can assure the Deputy that the position of retailers will be taken into consideration in the context of any decision regarding the arrangements for the next Lottery licence.