Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I also note the committee, in its pre-legislative scrutiny report, recommended that the electoral commission be funded through non-voted expenditure to maintain its independence and autonomy, with an increased budget to be made available in election years. This is important, as is local authorities being adequately funded, resourced and staffed to allow them to carry out any additional requirements.

As I said, it is important that we get this right. It is also important to recognise the work that has gone into this Bill, but we cannot allow under-resourcing to be the reason that much-needed overhaul and change do not happen.

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