James McDaid
Question:65 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has in relation to the prize limits for charitable lotteries. [12417/97]
Written Answers. - Lottery Prizes Cap.
As outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 310 of 25 March 1997, Official Report, Volume 476, column 1700, my concern as Minister for Justice is to ensure that all lotteries and fundraising activities are conducted in a manner which reflects high levels of accountability and general public confidence in the activities of their operators. It must be borne in mind, of course, that the existence of the national lottery, which is a matter for the Department of Finance, is also relevant in any consideration of charities.
The Deputy will be aware that the Select Committee on Legislation and Security, having been forwarded a copy of the deliberations of the advisory group on charities and fundraising legislation concerning this issue, have recommended that the cap be raised. In that context, the question of revising the existing limit on lotteries is under review.