Woman can't sue former Lotto operator over alleged negligent advice

The High Court has dismissed an application by a Roscommon woman to pursue proceedings against the former operator of the National Lottery over alleged negligent advice relating to a €3.3 million lottery win. Mr Justice Teresa Pilkington ruled that Mary Walsh, of Monksland, Athlone, cannot bring a claim against An Post National Lottery Company, which entered voluntary liquidation in 2014. The judge found that issues arising from the alleged negligence had already been determined in separate High Court proceedings brought against Ms Walsh by her step-son David Walsh in 2017, and that permitting the new claim would constitute an abuse of process. Ms Walsh had alleged she received negligent advice from a National Lottery representative regarding taxation implications when collecting winnings in January 2011. That advice allegedly led her and five others, including Mr Walsh, to sign the winning ticket. The 2017 proceedings resulted in Mr Justice Richard Humphreys ruling that Ms Walsh pay Mr Walsh €560,000 plus legal costs. The case was subsequently settled following an appeal.