It could be you: National Lottery may be sold
The slogan 'it could be you' may apply to the National Lottery as the Government decides which of the State's assets to sell off.
Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore confirmed this morning that the Lottery, which made a profit of almost €250m last year, is on the list of assets that the government is considering selling.
However, he said that no decision had been made. "It's a case of the government looking at what the options are and that's one of the options being looked at."
He added that even if there was a decision to sell all or part of the Lottery, it would be done in such a way to protect the contribution it makes to worthwhile causes.
Since its inception, €3.6bn, or about one-third of all ticket sales, have been donated to good causes such as charities, arts projects and community initiatives.
Not all lotteries are state-owned, however -- Britain's lottery is run by Camelot and donates 40pc of sales to good causes and Spain is selling its Loterias in an effort to raise about €7bn.
Meanwhile, Lotto dreams did come true for an Irish family who had a flutter while they were back here on holiday from their adopted home of Australia - where they emigrated in 2008.
Tim and Elaine Ryan, and their three sons, Cian (15), Tadhg (8) and Oisin (7), will share the €500,000 Plus top prize from Friday's EuroMillions draw with friends who wish to remain anonymous.
They plan to invest their winnings in a new home in Sydney.
- Grainne Cunningham
Irish Independent
