Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 February 2014
123. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a complete breakdown of the Estimate of €552,000 for the establishment of the new lottery regulator; the way the Estimate figure was arrived at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7234/14]
View answerThe €552,000 figure is a provisional estimate of the once-off potential costs associated with the establishment of the Regulator's office. It relates to the costs for staffing, accommodation, development of an IT system, office furniture and other start-up costs. No monies have been spent to date. Details of spending will be furnished to the Oireachtas as is normal.
The Regulator's Office will be fully funded by an annual levy payable by the operator of the next National Lottery licence from the time the new licence comes into effect. It is envisaged that the licence, which is currently being finalised, will come into effect before the end of 2014. Therefore, the Exchequer will not need to meet any costs associated with the Regulator's office in future years.
The decision to separate the regulatory function from the Department has been vindicated by the conclusion of the competitive process which will yield €405 million to the State, in addition to annual revenues for Good Causes, and which will support a series of job-rich projects and contribute to the building of the new National Children's Hospital.
This issue was subject to a full debate as the legislation passed through the Houses.
