Micheál Martin
Question:37 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, the national lottery has to respond to the imminent launch of the UK national lottery to safeguard the beneficiary funds.
Written Answers. - National Lottery.
The forthcoming launch of the UK national lottery will present a challenge to the national lottery, in particular in relation to sales now originating in Northern Ireland.
As part of ongoing commercial development and in anticipation of the launch of the UK lottery, the national lottery is currently reviewing options for game strategy and innovation. In order to allow more scope for innovation in facilities and games and to provide for a more reliable service, the company recently implemented on-line validation for instant tickets and up-graded its on-line terminal and computer system. These developments will facilitate any further changes which may be required when the full details of the UK lottery operator become known.
The National Lottery Company has coped successfully with many challenges in the past and I am confident that it will be able to meet this new situation also. In the context of the need for continuity in facing the new situation and the extensive successful experience already gained in operating the national lottery, the licence to the An Post National Lottery Company to operate the national lottery has been recast and will extend to the year 2000. The revised terms are more favourable to the national lottery beneficiary fund.