Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman and the members of the committee for what has been a constructive two meetings. We appreciate the positive engagement we have had on Committee Stage. During the discussion I flagged a number of issues to which we will give further consideration before Report Stage. I assure members I will follow up on those matters.

In addition, there are a number of other issues that I have identified on which I will also consider bringing forward amendments on Report Stage. These include: amendments to specify that in respect of the desirable skills and experience of electoral commission members set out in section 9, the expertise in financial matters be expanded to include membership of a recognised accountancy body; consequential amendments which may arise from the new Part 6 of the Bill, an amendment of the Electoral Act 1997 relating to political donations and accounts; amendments to clarify some of the provisions contained in section 104, which amends the Second Schedule to the 1992 Act in respect of the registration of electors - the amendments will clarify some of the new processes, in particular, the process regarding applications, identity and in respect of citizenship changes; and amendments to allow political parties to apply for a lottery licence in support of their fundraising activities.

Finally, the committee might also note that, as signalled by the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, on the publication of the Bill, legislative proposals to protect the integrity of our electoral and democratic processes, which have been developed by the Office of the Attorney General were recently approved by the Government for drafting. Arrangements are currently under way to publish these proposals and I intend to bring forward the proposed amendments as the Bill continues its progression through the Houses of the Oireachtas. My officials have conducted briefings in recent days in respect of the amendments we discussed on Committee Stage and further briefings can be arranged, if necessary. From my discussions with the members, I believe they found them useful. We are more than happy to do that. It has helped progress this Bill over the past two days as well.

I again thank my officials for the fantastic work they have been doing on this groundbreaking legislation. I thank you, Chairman, and the members of the committee for their deliberations over the last two days.