Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 3

Written Answers. - National Lottery Proceeds.

Noel Dempsey

Question:

86 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider amending the National Lottery Act to allow the unclaimed prize money to be put into a fund which could be used to finance loans/grants for unemployed persons wishing to start their own business.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

The net proceeds of the national lottery, i.e. the surplus remaining after providing for prizes, expenses and management fee are allocated to beneficiary activities which are defined as follows in section 5 of the National Lottery Act 1986: (a) sport and other recreation; National Culture (including the Irish Language); the Arts; and Health of the Community; and (b) whatever other purposes are decided upon by the Government from time to time.

Since the coming into operation of the Act, the Government have decided on the addition of youth activities, national heritage, amenities and welfare to the list of activities eligible for lottery funding. The unclaimed prize money therefore cannot be used for the purposes suggested by the Deputy. The Government have no plans at present for any further additions to the list of eligible purposes.