John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

Deputy Tuffy is correct in saying the electoral commission is not a Minister. Last evening I heard much talk about the establishment of quangos. On the one hand she asks me to set up a national fire authority — I do not exclude that possibility — while on the other she seems to pour cold water on the idea of an electoral commission. It involves the Minister giving away power to a commission but it is, nevertheless, a positive and constructive idea. It will transform the face of Irish politics and address numerous issues, including the question of political donations.

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