Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 4

Written Answers - National Lottery.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

111 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to increase the number of licences available for lottery machines in order to allow privately owned business, including those in Monaghan, compete against the national chains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25198/98]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

Under the National Lottery Act, 1986 the number of agents to be appointed is a matter for determination by the national lottery company subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance.

The company advises me that only a small percentage of its agents, nationally, are part of multiple chains. It further informs me that the present number of agents selling lottery tickets is based on the level of population and is in accordance with international norms for sales of this nature. It has no plans at present to increase the number of agents.