The addition of just two words to the National Lotteries Bill could make a big, positive difference in protecting our economy, our environment and the well-being of the people of Ireland.
Ireland’s economy is entirely reliant on healthy soils, clean air and waters, and a stable climate. All of these in turn rely on the survival of a healthy diversity of plants and animals. Communities and environment groups play a major role in protecting and enhancing these essential supports for the well-being of Ireland and its peoples.
We believe that these same groups should be allowed to seek funding for work on the natural environment under the National Lottery. At present they are excluded from doing so, despite the fact that their work is focused on protecting public goods for all of society.
If the words “natural environment” were added to the list of purposes to which National Lottery funds could apply, you could help our members protect and improve the environment.
What we are asking for is the insertion of two words (highlighted in purple below) into section 41(1) of the National Lottery Bill 2012, viz:
41. (1) Moneys paid into the Central Fund pursuant to section 44 shall be applied for the purposes of such one or more of the following, and in such amounts, as the Government may determine from time to time:
(a) sport and recreation;
(b) national culture and heritage (including the Irish language);
(c) the arts (within the meaning of the Arts Act 2003);
(d) health of the community;
(e) youth, welfare and amenities;
(f) natural environment
(g) such other objectives……
Please take action!
Please contact your local TDs and Senators (with the exception of those on the list below), and ask them to support calls have the words “natural environment” inserted into Section 41(1) of the National Lotteries Bill 2012. You may wish to use the points in the above text as a guide to your phone conversation/email/letter.
The contact details for your TDs can be found here
The contact details for your Senators can be found here
List of TDs and Senators who do not need to be contacted because they have already indicated support:
- All Sinn Fein representatives
- Minister Jimmy Deenihan
- Minister Frances Fitzgerald
- Deputy Michael Colreavy
- Deputy Catherine Murphy
- Deputy Denis Naughten
- Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan
- Senator Fidelma Healy Eames
- Senator David Norris
- Senator Averil Power
- Senator Jillian van Turnhout
- Senator Mary White
More info
This submission outlines our request to amend the National Lotteries Bill 2012, and also describes the value given to society by the enormous good work that members of the Irish Environmental Network carry out with very limited resources.