Minister Howlin happy to hold talks with lottery retailers
The Minister for Public Expenditure said today that he is happy to hold talks with local retailers before legislation is determined on the new licence for the National Lottery.
Brendan Howlin's remarks come as a group which represents retailers said that it is concerned about the Government's plans to sell the National Lottery licence.
The Government hopes to make around €600m from the sale of the rights to operate the National Lottery for the next 20 years.
Several private operators are said to be interested.
RGDATA said that it is concerned of the possible impact of such a sale on retailers, who sell the lottery tickets.
Minister Howlin is confident of getting a decent deal that will benefit everybody: "We're very confident having done the due dilligence of the last six months with external partners looking at what has happened elsewhere.
"We can grow the lotto, have a decent upfront payment, maintain the income stream for good causes and ensure that everybody gets a decent deal out of it, including those that will be required to sell the lotto.
"That includes, obviously, having a good prize fund as well."
