Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 May 1992

Vol. 420 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Lottery Funding.

John V. Farrelly

Ceist:

50 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Finance whether the Government have discussed the possibility of providing matching funds from the national lottery for the third Telethon appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

The People-in-Need Telethon was held to raise funds for many worth-while projects throughout the country and the Government was happy to be associated with this worthwhile event.

An allocation of £124,000 was made from the National Lottery Fund to the People-in-Need Telethon. This allocation was based on the total amount won by the five players on the National Lottery's Winning Streak TV Show of Friday, 8 May 1992 when Telethon was broadcast. The Government matched pound for pound the amount won by the players. This was in fact the biggest single donation to Telethon. We are confident that the allocation from the National Lottery Fund will help those who are in need.

It was only fitting that the allocation was made on the Winning Streak game show because it is the tremendous public support for National Lottery games that generates the funds for allocation by the Government.