Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
348. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the Independent Review of the Distribution and Utilisation of National Lottery spending; if he will confirm the timeline for delivery of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47570/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Independent Review of the Distribution and Utilisation of National Lottery funding was published in December 2022. The review aims to reinforce the sustainability of the National Lottery as a source of funding for good causes into the future.
The recommendations set out in the review are based on a wide engagement with Government Departments, public agencies, public consultations, surveys of the general public and an analysis of good practice in public lotteries in three other OECD countries – the UK, New Zealand and Finland.
The review recommends three options, which are not mutually exclusive. Option A represents a series of measures that could be taken without significant changes to the overall structures that are in place to oversee the allocation of National Lottery funds. These centre on a greater acknowledgement of the National Lottery by beneficiaries, and a reduction and refocussing of schemes that are supported.
Option B proposes the creation of a Cross-Departmental liaison group to promote a greater acknowledgement of National Lottery support, data collection and any necessary coordination on any other operational issues, as well as the creation of a database of beneficiaries, and the publication of an annual report setting out information on the beneficiaries of good causes funding.
Option C builds on Options A and B. Most notably, it would entail a regular independent evaluation, and the creation of an open fund
My Department will progressively roll out recommendations set out in Options A, B and C in an appropriate sequence and manner over the period 2023 to 2025, to provide a solid foundation for the National Lottery for the foreseeable future. In this regard, a Cross-Departmental Advisory Liaison Group will be established shortly, including relevant stakeholders, which will assist and liaise with my Department on implementation of the report’s recommendations.
