Dáil Éireann - Volume 428 - 24 March, 1993

Written Answers. - National Lottery Prizes.

Mr. Callely Mr. Callely

42. Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance if the Government has received proposals to introduce regulations to the size of winnings from national lottery jackpots; if the Government intends to introduce such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ms McManus Ms McManus

85. Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that the national lottery prize money is not increased to exorbitant amounts in the future in view of the need for funding of various worthwhile projects.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern) Bertie Ahern

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern): I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 85 together. There are no proposals before Government to cap national lottery prizes. The Government is anxious to ensure the ongoing viability of the national lottery so as to safeguard this important source of funding for the many socially desirable programmes which are now assisted by the national lottery.

Occasionally large jackpots are popular with players. They help to sustain public interest in the lotto and encourage additional players to participate. They thus help to ensure its ongoing success.

579

To put a cap or ceiling on the size of lotto jackpots would actually run the risk of undermining public interest in participation [579] and could well jeopardise the long term success of the game. In the circumstances, I do not propose to change the prize structure of the lotto.

Dáil Éireann 428 Written Answers. National Lottery Prizes.

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