Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and warmly welcome the intention of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, to review the Act which governs electoral spending limits. I avail of the opportunity to congratulate the Standards in Public Office Commission on its report on the last general election under what were, even in its own words, in some cases unsatisfactory and confused circumstances. The difficulties encountered were not just on the commission's side. Having been involved in the last election, the system is cumbersome and bureaucratic. I threw my hands in the air when it was suggested – and we had to do it – that we account financially for every sheet of photocopying paper. That summed it up.

As our amendment states, we need a more concise, more manageable system. Contrary to some Opposition views, we have no problem with maintaining full transparency and accountability in whatever changes are introduced. I accept that disclosures are required to ensure full and open accountability. Anyone who is involved in the running of a campaign will admit the system is flawed. The problems that have arisen are highlighted in the report from the commission.