Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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124. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are delays with persons being paid their national lottery winnings in cases in which they have won a prize; if so, when the problem will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9166/20]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As part of the restrictions introduced to limit the spread of COVID-19, people are urged to stay at home wherever possible.

The majority of prize winners have been able to claim prizes at retail agents and claim centres around the country. However, in order to claim a high tier prizes (i.e. €15,000 and over) winners have needed to present themselves at National Lottery HQ to make their claim, in order to satisfy the requirements of the Lottery in respect of identity and security.  This has not been possible on foot of the travel restrictions under the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020.

The National Lottery Regulator and the Operator of the National Lottery have addressed this by agreeing to amend the National Lottery licence and the game rules to allow winners of high tier prizes to claim their prize in an alternative manner where COVID-19 restrictions prevent them from presenting at National Lottery HQ. These amendments came into effect on 2 June 2020.