The unclaimed lotto winnings will be given to the country's drastically undersupplied and underfunded health care services.
Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe has announced that €16million of National Lottery money will be released to support the fight against
Covid-19.
The unclaimed prize money, which was held in the National Lottery Fund, will be allocated to Good Causes and will be used to support healthcare staff working on the frontline.
Speaking of the move, Minister Donohoe said:
"I am pleased that the €16 million of historic expired prizes has become available to support investments in health at a time of unprecedented national crisis due to Covid-19."
National Lottery CEO, Andrew Algeo, added:
"All of us at the National Lottery are delighted to see this €16million used to improve health in our communities. PLI has been pleased to work together with the Regulator to make these funds available at this time.
Thanks to our players the National Lottery raised over €250m for thousands of Good Causes in 2019 and perhaps more than ever, plays a vital role in supporting clubs, charities and great causes across the country."
The National Lotto was created to raise funds for good causes in 1986 and over €5.6 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since its establishment 32 years ago - used to help in areas such as sport, youth, education, arts, heritage and health.
