asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will comment on the proposal contained in the final report of the ad hoc Committee on a People's Europe, which under the heading “Culture and Communication” suggests the organisation of a Euro-Lottery serving to finance projects in the field of culture, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The European Commission was given a brief by the European Council in Milan last June to examine the proposal contained in the report of the ad hoc Committee on a People's Europe that a Euro-Lottery be established which would finance projects in the fields of culture. The Commission's report is still awaited and, until it is available, it would not be appropriate for me to make any statement on the matter.

Will the Minister say whether or not he believes this Euro-Lottery will get off the ground before the Irish Lottery?

It is extremely unlikely. The report was only received early this week. The Commission were asked to study it and come up with proposals, perhaps for the next Summit meeting. It is extremely unlikely that the thing will get off the ground at all but it will certainly not get off the ground before the Irish lottery.

Would the Minister care to nominate anyone from this country who might find himself redundant and who would have great experience in the organisation of lotteries for the job in Europe?

I will bear the Deputy's suggestion in mind.