Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

-----or when the controversy arose the Minister could have given a commitment that the issue would be dealt with on the first day back. Instead, the Government was cranky on the issue. The Minister seems to be a little cranky still. Whether this was intended or not, the message went out that politicians took a view that if SIPO's work was delayed or hindered, it was really no big deal. That is not a helpful message to go into the public domain.

There is also an undercurrent or a sense that there is a strange relationship between the Government and SIPO at present and this was underpinned by the public spat regarding local party funding disclosures. It is one matter whether there was a difference of opinion which arose between the Minister, in particular, and SIPO and Government, but the Government's response to this issue was unnecessarily defensive and, as I stated, did the body politic no favours.

The Minister made reference to the appointment of a former Member of the Oireachtas to the board. I understand the rationale and the current legislative provisions in respect of that, but it is something that needs to be revisited. I am not convinced that it is necessary to have a former Oireachtas Member as part of this and I am not sure that it is entirely helpful. As we engage in the debate the Minister outlined, we should go back to that issue.

On the appointment of the chair, in particular, I warmly welcome the proposed appointment of retired High Court judge, Mr. Justice Daniel O'Keeffe. I wish him well and every success in his new position. I would extend those sentiments to Mr. Jim O'Keeffe who, notwithstanding my reservations on the role of former Oireachtas Members in SIPO, I also wish all the best.

Finally, merely for the purposes of clarity, it is not possible for moneys raised thar sáile to fund political activity in this jurisdiction. In fact, the guidelines are strict. I understand that Deputy Sean Fleming's musings as regards the United States were clearly sent in my direction and I want to assure him of that position, that the reporting requirements stateside are extremely rigorous and the rules and regulations in this jurisdiction are extremely tight.

I would say to his party that I am aware that there were efforts made by Fianna Fáil to instigate fund-raising in the United States which did not go terribly well and I am not sure whether that is the real motivation for the Deputy raising the issue. I am curious to know who is fund-raising in Russia.

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