Over the more than three decades since the National Lottery was founded it has generated more than €5 billion for a wide variety of good causes spanning many different categories and interests across the length and breadth of Ireland.

"We don't want to be late to the game," Treasurer Deborah Goldberg said. "The way I articulate it to people is, the last thing I want to be is Toys R Us. Going online is critical in continuing to maintain profits, stay relevant — and when I talk profits, remember, it's local aid.

"We are all here to help others.    What on earth the others are here for I don’t know." H Auden