Can the Minister give any indication as to how much will be available for disbursement in 1989 from the lottery funds generally.

The Deputy must not hold me to tight figures, but I would say very little at this stage. The estimates for the lottery must take into consideration commitments given last year on a twoyear and three-year basis. Those estimates will almost take up the projected revenue receipts which will be available for allocation from the lottery. In other words, the amount of resources available to me in relation to allocating any more from the national lottery in 1989 are so minimal they are not worth talking about.

The gravy train has come to a halt.

I am referring to unexpended moneys in the areas to which it had been allocated in 1988 and which had to be accounted for in the budget.

One great year.

The amount I have to worry about this year is so minimal that nobody on the Opposition benches should be kicking up a row about it.

It is no wonder the Minister agreed to an all-party committee on the subject.

Deputy Shatter is so well paid for talking elsewhere I am surprised he does not talk here for nothing.