REHAB, the State's largest charitable lottery, has welcomed a recommendation in a Dail committee report that the present cap on prizes for periodical lotteries be removed. The charity, which has lobbied to have the limit on prizes scrapped, last night called on the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, to enforce the committee's recommendation.
The chairman of the Select Committee on Legislation and Security, Mr Charlie Flanagan, confirmed yesterday the committee reached a "unanimous" decision that the present situation be changed.
The Association of Charity Lotteries in Ireland will also benefit significantly from the decision if it is implemented. This association represents groups such as the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Asthma Society.
Ms Angela Kerins, director of public affairs at REHAB, said last night the recommendation, if implemented would allow the group to extend services to an extra 100 people with disabilities. It would also create 140 extra jobs.