David Norris (Independent)

I thank Senator O'Toole for sharing time with me. While I welcome the establishment of the sub-committee, I do not expect that very much will happen as a result. This issue has been discussed throughout the entire period of my membership of the Seanad. The same discussion takes place after every election, but nothing ever happens. There is really very little to add to what has been said, but perhaps I can make it a little more explicit. It is obviously unrealistic to expect huge changes. First, there is an element of political patronage involved. The parties dictate who will be elected, quite apart from the Taoiseach's right to nominate. We should be perfectly honest about this. It is common knowledge that the political parties issue blank nomination papers which are signed and filled in subsequently. This is freely admitted by members of political parties and a violation of democracy.