Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to discuss this legislation before the forthcoming local elections. Local democracy is important in ensuring people believe they have an input into democratic decisions at local level. Although I do not propose to dwell on the issue, as I am required to confine my contribution to discussing the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2009, I place on record my belief that we have underestimated the potential of local government.

Two or three aspects of the legislation are of vital importance. The register of electors is a key in every election. For many years, however, the management of the register has been disgraceful. Having fought many elections, I can categorically state that the first telephone call politicians receive on the day of an election is from someone who has turned up at a polling booth to find his or her name has not been included on the electoral register. Registering the names of all those in a community who are entitled to vote is a simple job. It is disgraceful that we have failed to reform the procedure for adding names to the electoral register. The use of PPS numbers would be a simple solution, one that would ensure everyone's name is added to the register. This proposal has been discussed on many occasions in the House.

The Bill proposes to impose crazy spending limits on candidates in local elections. I did a quick calculation which showed that between them the 50 and 60 candidates who stand for election to South Tipperary County Council could spend almost €1 million under the proposed limits. The person who proposed the sums provided for in the Bill needs to have his or her head examined.

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