Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)

I welcome publication of this Bill after such a short period of this Government in power. It addresses four key areas, including reducing the spending limit for the presidential election and the level of expenses that can be reimbursed to a candidate after that election. It also introduces time limits for holding by-elections and revises the terms of reference for constituency commissions.

The reduction of spending limits from €1.3 million to €750,000 was mentioned by Deputy Ó Cuív earlier and contrary to his view, I believe it will be of benefit to smaller parties as it will allow a more level playing field relative to larger and wealthier parties. Much more important is the reduction by 20% in the amount that will be reimbursed by the State to presidential candidates. That falls in line with the commitment across all Departments to seek cost savings where possible.

A third element is the introduction of time limits for holding by-elections. One of the most regrettable elements of the last Government's term in power was the abuse of democracy in our country by its refusing to hold by-elections for such a long period. It is to the credit of Deputy Pearse Doherty - who is in the House - that he was involved in forcing a High Court case on the matter. It is unfortunate that we have been forced into a position where we must legislate to protect this Dáil and democracy from a repeat of that abuse in the future. The six-month time limit must be welcomed.

Deputy Ó Cuív noted that if one cannot do it properly, nothing should be done; with electoral and political reform over the past 14 years, the last Government focused all its energy on not doing anything. In a brief time in power this Government has committed to an abolition, through referendum, of the Seanad and the reduction in the numbers of Deputies. As a result, we will see a reduction approaching 30% in the costs and numbers of representatives within the Oireachtas. Both parties in the Government gave a very clear commitment in advance of the general election that reform, savings and reductions must be delivered from the top down.

By virtue of the mandate which both Government parties received, and contrary to the view expressed by the main Opposition party, our people are ambitious to see real political reform. Although the new census has limited the option to leave a Dáil with between 152 and 160 Deputies, in addition to the potential reduction with the abolition of the Seanad, there will be enormous reform.

With regard to the electoral commission to be set up, some constituencies have seen repeated changes in boundaries. I know the commission will be independent but I would like to see where possible that constituencies which have seen many changes in boundaries in the past would have that factor taken into account. In my constituency of Cork North-Central there are elements to the north east and north west of the area that have been in three different constituencies in recent years. There must be an element of continuity. Where there has been a boundary change, another one should not be foisted on people. Otherwise, I welcome the Bill.

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