We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Lottery regulator and Irish Water forum

Summary

Senators discuss the appointed lottery regulator’s failure to take office, continuing lottery difficulties and the need for scrutiny, while Senator O’Donnell also seeks a ministerial appearance on the proposed Irish Water people’s forum.

I stand to relay a bit of very good news. We have a lottery regulator, Mr. Liam Sloyan. Although he exists, I cannot find him because he has not yet taken up his position. He exists in the ether. I am delighted he exists because he has much to answer for and to look after with the lottery, which was taken out of Irish hands and sold in order to build the children's hospital.

Comment on this
David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

We have not seen that yet either.

Comment on this

We have not seen one brick of that. Mr. Sloyan comes from an actuarial background. I am delighted at his appointment, which came on 17 November.

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Is there a question for the Leader?

Comment on this

Yes. He was very kindly going to answer the question yesterday and I now have the answer. The Irish lottery has seen much debacle and I just wanted to let Senators know that although the regulator exists, he has not yet taken office. It is being dealt with by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

There is a second issue which is not such good news. Will the Leader invite the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, before the Seanad to tell me about the people's forum on Irish Water? We had a wonderful people's forum called the Constitutional Convention, so we have a template, and we need a people's forum very quickly before we start billing people for their water. I would like to see that initiated and put in place in order that people can monitor Irish Water in all the ways it needs to be overseen, especially with regard to the idea that it should never be privatised.

Comment on this

It is called a three-card trick.

Comment on this