Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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77. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the reduction in money granted to good causes under the terms of the new 20-year licence for the National Lottery will have a negative impact on the community sector especially in view of cuts to funding from a number of other funding avenues; if he intends to adjust this reduction once the new operator shows signs of improved profit margins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28407/13]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Under the next licence, the National Lottery operator will be in a position to increase significantly the level of sales of National Lottery tickets. This increase will be partly facilitated by the provision, under the National Lottery Act 2013, for the sale of tickets through interactive channels. In addition, the formula provided for in the next licence regarding returns to Good Causes will offer the holder of the next licence greater flexibility and scope for the growth and development of lottery games and distribution channels. This formula provides that 65% of Gross Gaming Revenues (defined as sales less prizes) will be allocated to Good Causes during each year of the licence.

I am confident that under these new arrangements, the level of annual returns for Good Causes under the next licence will grow significantly from the 2012 amount of 225 million euro. The new licence provides for an alignment of interests between the next operator and the State, which will result in enhanced revenues for the beneficiaries of Good Causes