Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In respect of any such matter, it is for the relevant Minister to bring forward proposals for the establishment of such a body. That matter has not yet been brought to Government.

Any commitment on work the electoral commission would do is not predicated on having to report prior to the presidential election. That is not the commitment that is in the programme for Government. It is about establishing the independent electoral commission and considering these matters, including the one referred to by the Deputy. Until the commission is established, I cannot anticipate how it will consider that matter.

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