Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of initial expressions of interest in the National Lottery licence that have been received; the prospective date on which the awarding process will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10402/13]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It is intended that the competition for the next National Lottery licence will commence during the second quarter of this year. It is envisaged that the licence will be awarded in the second half of 2013 and that it will come into operation in 2014.

My officials and the Department’s financial and commercial advisers have met with a number of parties who have indicated an interest in bidding for the next licence. It would not be prudent of me to indicate at this time the precise number of parties who have been in contact with my Department. The Deputy will appreciate that I, as Minister, have no role in relation to engaging with potential bidders.