Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on the Bill. It is unfortunate we have to discuss it when all the news today is about findings of the Mahon tribunal and that we are not discussing the more positive news from yesterday in regard to the promissory notes. Such are the revelations that have come out today, however, and such is the level of corruption that took place in regard to planning irregularities and politics that I can see why this is so newsworthy at present. I know that issue will be dealt with in the Chamber next week, so I will not dwell on it now.

How politics is funded is a key element of democracy in any country. If a country is to function for the benefit of its citizens instead of big business interests, it is only fair and reasonable that corporate donations be discouraged in favour of individual donations and that a clear record be kept of where the money for parties is coming from. Under this legislation, corporate donations would be severely curtailed and there would be greater openness. People have a right to know how political parties are funded, and the measures contained in this Bill will go a significant way to increasing transparency on this matter. The legislation significantly lowers the maximum amount of money that can be donated from a corporate source to a political party, from just over €6,000 to €2,500. The maximum amount for a political donation by an individual is reduced from €2,500 to €1,000. The new limits apply to Deputies, Senators, MEPs and all candidates in Dáil, Seanad and European Parliament elections. An important element of these provisions is the establishment of a register of corporate donors. This list will be published in order that voters know which organisations are providing funds to political parties and candidates. The term "corporate donor" encompasses all companies, partnerships, trade unions, trusts, co-operative societies, charities, non-governmental organisations, clubs and associations.

Efforts to introduce a more balanced political representation in terms of gender are another key aspect of the Bill. Parties whose female candidates do not comprise at least 30% of their total at the next general election face the prospect of losing half their State funding for the lifetime of the next Dáil. There is undoubtedly a need for greater female representation at parliamentary level. One need only consider that the Oireachtas currently comprises 183 men and 43 women. However, while the aims of the gender provisions in the Bill are commendable, their success or otherwise will depend on how individual parties implement the various elements. For example, disputes could arise in a particular locality where there is a view that the right to choose a candidate is being hindered by party officials who are anxious to achieve the 30% threshold, which threshold will increase to 40% post-2019. Such situations will not serve to bolster the number of female representatives in the Dáil or Seanad but will rather set up an artificial barrier between the genders.

Individual donations to political parties are the best way of ensuring politics remains rooted with the people. The caps proposed in this legislation will help to deter a "Big Donor" culture. On the other hand, the danger with individual donations is that they may result in the wealthy being disproportionately represented. However, the cap on private donations will limit this danger somewhat. There are also dangers in having political parties paid solely out of the public purse. First, it places politicians at a distance from the people and cushions them from public opinion. Second, by providing a secure and guaranteed income, there is less thrift. Third, and perhaps most importantly, by providing funding to parties based on the current level of representation, there is a danger of creating inertia in the political system whereby the larger parties will always remain the largest, maintain the highest degree of funding and become immune from the necessity to interact with their supporters in terms of funding.

The Minister has ruled out any increase in the amount of public funding to political parties to compensate for any reductions in funds arising from the new restrictions on corporate funding. The bottom line is that there are no extra funds to disburse in the current climate. Forcing political parties to rely more heavily on donations from individuals will ensure that greater cognisance is given to creating a more fair and just society. This legislation is timely, balanced and fair. It discourages a corporate business culture in favour of representation for and by the people. It will result in much greater transparency in regard to political funding and will help to redress the long-standing gender imbalance in representation at parliamentary level.

I commend the Minister on tackling this long overdue legislative change and look forward to working in a more transparent and balanced political system.

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