Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I agree there is a need for general and specific legislation on the issue of political reform. Now that the Cabinet has approved the idea of holding an election in 2010 to fill the position of Lord Mayor of Dublin, the legislation must be passed in both Houses before the end of this session.

The comments of the Director of Public Prosecutions - not only his recent comments about whistleblowers but his previous comments at the Burren Law School the week before about political donations - should make us all pause for thought. He stated the notion of political donations created a perception and allowed an opportunity for corruption to occur. When an important officer of the State makes such a statement, everyone involved in the political system has an obligation to respond. The Government has made a commitment to act on the issue of corporate donations, but I would like to hear the views of those on the other side of the House on their dependence on political donations.

Legislation is being prepared to tackle the issue of climate change. I ask Senator Bacik to contrast that with the Government's Bill as we try to put that legislation on the Statute Book.

On the issue of broadcasting which we debated yesterday, as part of the ongoing consultation process there may be a need to discuss not only the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland but the proposal on free-to-air television and the reactions that has provoked because there are different views on protecting professionalism as opposed to encouraging participation in sport that this House would be well served in debating.