Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)

There is no legal difficulty with the amendments, nor do problems arise in the context of retrospection. While I accept this is new legislation and its implementation in the coming months will give rise to difficulties, it is in the nature of legislation that minor difficulties and anomalies will emerge.

The fundamental principle arising from the amendments is whether the Minister is prepared to sign up to the concept that electoral expenditure should be contained. Some speakers appeared to indicate they do not sign up to this position. If one accepts the principle of spending limits, it is not realistic to believe electoral expenditure will be confined to election periods. Candidates spend money on local elections long before they take place.

While I appreciate the Minster's decision to establish a 60 day mechanism, the reason for its introduction is the delay in bringing the legislation before the House. The Bill was introduced yesterday afternoon and will go out the door at 1.30 p.m. By any measure, it is rushed, crisis-driven legislation. The reason for the crisis has been the delay in bringing it to the House.

Should legal questions arise, it will be as a result of the insufficient time provided to examine and scrutinise the Bill. Government sequencing of legislation rather than proposals made by the Opposition are the problem. I ask the Minister to consider the issues I have raised and accept the amendment. Failing that, I will press the amendment.

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