The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD, has welcomed the transfer of €289 million from the National Lottery Fund to the Exchequer in 2021. This transfer represents a significant 14% increase on last year and is a record, unprecedented figure under the license commenced by Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) in 2014 and a commendable achievement in light of the challenging trading environment in 2021.
Commenting on this development, Minister McGrath said:
“The National Lottery is a significant asset which plays an important role in generating funds for Good Causes throughout Ireland and across a range of areas including sport and recreation, culture and heritage, community health, the arts, and youth affairs.
"It is absolutely critical that members of the public and those who play the National Lottery are fully aware of how this funding is accessed and distributed to Good Causes, to the benefit of local communities. €6 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery commenced operations in 1987.”
Minister McGrath recently commissioned Indecon Consultats to support his Department in a review of the transparency and effectiveness of how National Lottery funding is distributed, to ensure that it is best targeted to support Good Causes. It is envisaged that this work will conclude in the second quarter of 2022.
