James Breen (Clare, Independent)

I wish to share time with Deputies Healy and McHugh.

I welcome and wholeheartedly support this Bill. There has been much discussion this week in the media on the lack of women participating in politics, particularly on the national level. One of the criticisms levelled has been the lack of support structures within political parties for women wishing to involve themselves in politics.

The Bill makes it somewhat more accessible for any person wishing to stand in an election as an Independent candidate. As long as 30 people acquiesce to the nomination within the constituency, by completing the statutory declaration to that effect, a hurdle is overcome.

As with any statutory declaration, the signature of an appointed officer is required, such as a peace commissioner or a commissioner for oaths. Frequently, I meet constituents seeking peace commissioners and commissioners for oaths, so I asked the Tánaiste to carry out a review of how many are in office.

Many political correspondents will be happy to see the deposit system return because it is not really an election count until one hears the immortal phrase to the effect that an unfortunate candidate has forfeited his or her deposit. To promote democratic procedures, it is important that an alternative to the assentor route is available. For this reason, I welcome the return of the deposit system.

During the next election, I will hand my nomination as an Independent candidate to a returning officer, but I will be cited on the ballot paper as "Breen, James, NP". That could mean "No Pain". My constitutional right will be violated. My profession of small farmer will be put on the ballot paper, but why must the presiding officer change "Independent" to "NP"? Will the Minister address this matter in his response?

I am happy to be an Independent Deputy with no affiliation to any political party. I have represented the people of County Clare fairly and honestly since my election and I hope I have been a thorn in the Government's side, highlighting issues it has failed to deliver on since entering office. Ennis General Hospital is one of the county's greatest scandals. Before the previous general election, the then Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, told us the project was so advanced that it would be placed in the European Journal for tender.

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