Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the proposal to sell off the national lottery; if he will outline the conditions under which the lotto would be sold off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13047/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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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 shortly.

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 Children's Hospital. Any new arrangements for the National Lottery will involve the continued provision of significant annual revenues from the Lottery for good causes. However, in advance of a final decision by Government, it would be premature for me to speculate at this stage on possible terms for the next licence.