John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

Deputy Tuffy appears to be obsessed with the Green Party. I am anxious to get on with the business of government.

It would be disappointing if Deputy Tuffy dismissed the electoral commission. Its establishment will be a huge advance. An electoral commission would deal with the issues she raises. There is a problem regarding expenditure limits at local elections. No limits currently exist. Limits should exist at local elections. I am sure Deputy Tuffy has seen candidates spend obscene amounts of money at local election time. This needs to be addressed. The best fora in which to address this issue are the electoral commission and the consultative committee on local government reform, which I have established. I have invited a number of the Deputy's colleagues to take part in this process and three Labour Party people are on the consultative committee. I am happy to facilitate the Labour Party in putting forward their ideas. I believe they have constructive ideas and I congratulate the party on its initiatives when in government. Deputy Tuffy will also see the Government taking an enlightened approach to this matter.

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