National Lottery Licence Sale

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 June 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013

Questions (79)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

79. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether the national lottery is in breach of EU competition law, occupying a dominant position; his views on whether this will affect the sale of the lottery licence, where the expressions of interest deadline has recently expired; the number of expressions of interest his Department has received for the lottery licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28457/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I have received a letter on behalf of an organisation which has given notice of its intention to challenge the State regarding the establishment and operation of the National Lottery on competition grounds. The Attorney General has replied stating that the organisation’s assertion is unfounded and that in the event of proceedings being issued they will be vigorously defended by the State.

The deadline for receipt of Expressions of Interest in participating in the competition expired on Friday, 7th June 2013. The deadline for receipt of applications for the next licence is 16th September 2013. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be prudent of me to disclose, in advance of the conclusion of the competitive process, the number of parties who have expressed an interest in the process.