Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes in raising the issue of possible increases in spending limits, as reported in the media in recent days. I request the Deputy Leader of the House to arrange for the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government to make a statement in this House as to his intentions in relation to increasing spending limits. One of the main features of last year's general election was the very long run into it. Prior to "flag fall"– the official announcement of the campaign – the Government squandered hundreds of thousands of euro on billboards and electioneering.