Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The amendment would delete the term "trade union" from section 26(2)(a) of the Electoral Act 1997. This subsection clarifies that multiple donations given to the same person by a trade union must be aggregated in the annual report made by a trade union to the Registrar of Friendly Societies. The amendment would not radically change the existing provisions in the current legislation or the Bill, but it would have a limited effect, especially given the new restrictions on donations, and introduce an inconsistency into the legislation.

The purpose of the Bill is to restrict the influence of corporate donations and corporate donors. The definition of the term "corporate donor" embraces all classes and categories of bodies. It is all-encompassing and encapsulates all incorporated and unincorporated bodies which include companies, trade unions, trusts, partnerships, societies, associations, clubs and non-governmental organisations. Everybody is treated the same. It is essential that all of these bodies are brought within the scope of the legislation and that they operate transparently when making political donations. Trade unions are not being singled out positively or negatively in that regard. They are being treated the same as everybody else.

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