Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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94. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the national lottery franchises are being closed down in rural areas; if this is a purely economic decision; if so, his views on whether this decision will disenfranchise citizens who live in remote areas; if he agrees that where a national lottery franchise is lost that the loss in itself will lead to even further erosion of facilities to those who live in rural Ireland; if he agrees that where a business combines lotto, post office and a general shop that the withdrawal of the lotto franchise will put such businesses under further strain (details supplied); the reason no explanation was given to long-term franchisees for withdrawal of the franchise; the appeals process that is available to such franchisees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15787/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy's question implies that there is a general policy to close down National Lottery franchises in rural areas. I am advised by the An Post National Lottery Company that this is not the case.

Retail Sales Agent Agreements are renewed every 12 months. The agreement can be terminated/not renewed for reasons set out in the agreement, including the need for compliance with targets for minimum sales averages.

With regard to this specific case, the reason the agreement is not being renewed is that minimum sales criteria have not been met. A decision was made in April 2013 not to renew the agreement. Contrary to the impression given in the Deputy's question, the reason for non-renewal was communicated to the Agent at the time and was the subject of an appeal by the Agent on 4 April 2013 to the Area Manager. The appeal was upheld and the agent given a final opportunity to meet his target. Unfortunately, the Agent has not been able to do so.