Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)

Having listened to Deputy Nash's contribution, I now discern the reason we are members of the same political party. First, I congratulate the Minister on introducing this Bill so swiftly. It is a down payment on what must be done with regard to reform. The Minister has worked exceptionally hard to bring this legislation before the House and I congratulate him.

The first point I wish to consider is the reduction in spending limits for the presidential election. I consider the reduction of this limit to €750,000 to be highly positive although personally, I would prefer it to be reduced further. I am open to considering this point on Committee Stage and intend to make a submission in this regard at that stage.

In itself, this reduction in spending limits will produce savings because the maximum reimbursement to a candidate will be reduced by €60,000. Were three candidates to qualify for such a reimbursement, the total saving would be €180,000, which in these days of austerity, equates to two classrooms. This point should not be undermined and this example should be made. Costs must be contained and the influence of money must be minimised in the exercise of democracy. Much remains to be done in this regard and the issue of corporate donations must be tackled and transparency must be increased. While this measure constitutes a major part of a move in the right direction, one must continue to push forward in this regard.

The second major provision all Members can welcome concerns the creation of a six-month limit on by-elections. This issue brought the House into great disrepute during the last Dáil and as Deputy Nash observed, the previous Government should be ashamed of its idea that one can block a by-election. This six-month limit is an excellent idea and I congratulate Deputy Pearse Doherty on taking this issue to court. In this context, Members must consider and discuss whether the existing method of holding by-elections should be retained or whether consideration should be given to adopting the co-option system used in local Government to fill vacancies. I welcome that this measure will bring back dignity to the House, in that a defined structure will be in place on how Members who either leave the House or pass away may be replaced.

Deputy Pearse Doherty nodded when the Minister stated previously that this is the first step, which in itself is insufficient and that Members must go much further. Deputy Nash made the point clearly on how the strengthening and reform of local Government will bring about real reform and will allow for a great deal more time to be left to concentrate on legislation in this House. The vast majority of Members in this Dáil have been concentrating on legislation and one may observe the welcome engagement in committee of the new Deputies.

As for the reduction in the number of Dáil Deputies, each Member in this House has a vested interest in not voting for this measure.

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