Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators for their contributions. Senator Kitt put it succinctly when he said that Members were either for the dual mandate or they were not. That is the issue.

I respect Senator Tuffy's views which I know are well meant. Amendments Nos. 1 and 2 seek to end the dual mandate for Members of Dáil Éireann but not for Seanad Éireann. It also seeks to permit Oireachtas Members generally to continue to stand for local elections, by amending section 13A which section 2 of the Bill will insert in the Principal Act. Amendment No. 3 is related and seeks to maintain the status quo by omitting the proposed amendment to section 13(1)(e) of the Local Government Act.