Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 17:

In page 6, before section 8, to insert the following new section:

8.–Section 5 of the Local Elections (Disclosure of Donations and Expenditure) Act 1999 is hereby repealed in so far as the section relates to limitation of election expenses and accordingly sections 72 and 75 of the Electoral Act 1997 are hereby revived to that extent.".

It is anomalous that there are limits for expenditure for general elections and none for local elections. Although one has to disclose one's expenditure on local elections, there should be limits imposed. Otherwise, a political party could spend millions on local elections.

Local elections are also important. Candidates are elected through them who go on to represent their consituents in the Dáil. I would like to hear the Minister's comments on this amendment.