Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the amendment. I accept that it is well-intentioned and it is an interesting point. The programme for Government, Our Shared Future, contains a commitment to examine the use of posters during referendums and elections. The commitment in the programme envisages a role for the electoral commission to examine and make recommendations on the issue of the use of posters at electoral events. Members will be aware that earlier this year, the electoral commission, An Coimisiún Toghcháin, was formally established. In July, my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, wrote to An Coimisiún Toghcháin and outlined a number of issues that he suggested the commission might include in its initial research programme. The issue of the use of posters at elections and referendums was included in the request. I am happy to report that the commission's draft research programme, published last week, includes proposals to examine the issue of posters. We will revisit policy in this area once the commission has considered and made recommendations on the issue. In light of the process under way, we believe it would be premature to legislate. It is prudent to allow the electoral commission carry out this examination and, therefore, I cannot at this time accept the amendment. However, I again acknowledge the spirit in which it is put forward.