Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2011
279 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the reason the national lottery is being advertised on the website of the Health Service Executive; if this is appropriate in view of the rising numbers of those caught in gambling addiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29383/11]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has an allocation in the Revised Estimates Volume for 2011 of €7.513m which is part funded by proceeds of sales from the National Lottery. These funds are provided to support projects run by community groups and voluntary organisations in the provision of health and personal social services throughout the country. The Deputy will be aware that funding from National Lottery proceeds are also allocated to other Departments for a range of projects including youth, sport, recreation and amenities, culture and heritage and the Irish language. At a time of severe restraints on public expenditure, it is the view of the Government that where funding is available from other sources, then it should be utilised to ensure the continued support for these worthwhile projects.
