National Lottery Licence Sale

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2013

Thursday, 18 April 2013

Questions (10)

Seán Fleming

Question:

10. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the mechanism he is putting in place to ring-fence part of the proceeds of the sale of the national lottery licence for major capital projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17844/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy is aware, this issue was discussed in depth during the debates in the Dáil on the National Lottery Bill 2012. At Committee Stage, I gave a formal commitment that when the competition for the next National Lottery licence is concluded and the Exchequer is in receipt of the upfront payment, which will be payable by the successful bidder, I will revert to the Committee in relation to the arrangements for the upfront payment.

As I have stated on numerous occasions, it is intended that part of the upfront payment will be used to help build the National Children’s Hospital. I am committed to ring-fencing the sum involved for that purpose.