Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister to the House and thank him for his comprehensive overview of the Bill and its contents. I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak on this important Bill.

The publication of the Electoral Amendment Bill illustrates the Government's commitment to providing improvements, something that has been long overdue. In this House and in the Dáil, we have become public representatives at a time when the public perception of politics in Ireland is at an all-time low. Many people have lost trust in politicians and in our political system. That does not come as a surprise to us. It is a poor reflection on our democracy and civic participation that many people are largely unaware of the work done in either House, particularly the Seanad. This should not be the case. This is why reform is necessary. I am very much in favour of the amendments proposed to reduce the number of Deputies by changing the terms of reference of the Constituency Commission, introduce a six month time limit for holding Dáil by-elections and reduce the presidential election spending limits.

By comparison with other European legislative chambers, Ireland is neither over-represented nor under-represented. Generally, Legislatures in smaller European countries have more MPs per head of population than larger countries. Nine countries, including Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Latvia and Sweden have a member representing between 15,000 and 35,000 of their respective populations. Clearly, the scope is very wide and there is no consensus in comparative European terms as to the precise or ideal population to parliamentarian ratio.

Article 16.2.2° of the Constitution states: "The number of members shall from time to time be fixed by law, but the total number of members of Dáil Éireann shall not be fixed at less than one member for each thirty thousand of the population, or at more than one member for each twenty thousand of the population." That figure is the present constitutional benchmark and, based on the preliminary census results for this year, there could be a reduction of 13 Deputies. However, that figure is subject to the final results of the latest census when they become available. While the exact figure in respect of the reduction in the number of Deputies is undoubtedly important, we must not become too sidetracked and over-focus on one particular aspect of a wider political reform agenda. The word "reform" has become widely used in Irish politics in recent times, particularly in the past few months. This is definitely a very positive move for our democracy.

The Government has tabled more political reform proposals than did the Fianna Fáil-led Governments which held power for the previous 14 years. There is an appetite among the public for change in the political system. Fine Gael has recognised that and has responded to what the public wants. It is difficult to engage in a debate on political reform without discussing the role of local government. Some might claim that the latter should be the subject of a separate debate. However, I am of the view that it is key to any discussion about reform in politics.

The role of local Government is one that is currently under review by the Department. The Minister indicated in the Lower House two weeks ago that the key objectives of the local government review include devolution of greater decision-making to local level, strengthening the powers and functions of local authorities, enhancing the development and leadership role of local Government and strengthening its structures. The devolution of powers to local government is a much-needed step if we are to make our political system more efficient. It has also been suggested that the reduction in the number of Deputies can facilitate an individual Deputy in focusing on his or her national and legislative role. In turn, this will encourage the devolution of powers to local government. This would be a very healthy development that has been required for some time. The work of Deputies and Senators is often very constituency-concentrated and too much of our time is spent focusing on local rather than on national issues. We often forget that our primary role, as elected representatives at national level, is as legislators.

In his submission to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitution, Professor David Farrell, in the context of the proposal to reduce the number of Deputies, advocated the creation of slightly larger constituencies of at least five members. When one considers this idea, it makes sense. The rationale behind the proportional representation-single transferable vote system is that all parties, including the smaller ones, have an equal chance of their candidates being elected. Political scientists such as Michael Gallagher, have discovered that the larger the district magnitude, or the number of seats per constituency, the more proportional will be election results. In this regard, it seems logical that in reducing the number of Deputies we elect, we would consider constituency size.

In the context of the second proposed amendment of the Bill, I would also welcome the introduction of a six-month time limit in respect of the holding of Dáil by-elections. We must never have a repeat of the events of last year, when a High Court ruling had to be handed down before the previous Government would take political responsibility for holding a by-election. This was one of the many failings of the previous Administration. What occurred was profoundly anti-democratic. The six-month limit is a sufficient period in which to fill a seat that has become vacant.

The third proposed amendment concerns presidential election costs and expenses. The proposal to reduce spending limits for the presidential election from €1.3 million to €750,000 is a positive move. Although it must be acknowledged that election costs can be high, there is no good reason why presidential candidates, as individuals, should run up bills that are excessive at a time when we are all conscious of our expenses. It is not just presidential election spending that needs to be reduced. We are spending more than should be the case at all elections - local, national and presidential. I hope the Government will be in power for a five-year period. During that time we should put a plan in place to reduce the wasting of financial resources on posters, advertising and other unnecessary election material. I urge those responsible to ensure that inroads are made on this issue in the next couple of years.

Every Member of the House is aware of the expense involved in running for elected office, be it to institutions such as town councils, the national Parliament or the European Parliament. Political parties and candidates are funded through individual, corporate or union donations governed by standards in public office, SIPO, regulations. We must give careful consideration to the entire area of political donations. It must be borne in mind that a complete ban on political donations would mean that candidates would be obliged to rely on their own resources in the absence of State funding.

It is in no one's interest that participation in elections is only available to those who have personal wealth to fund extravagant campaigns. Regardless of the model of funding upon which we decide, we must be conscious that if we are to ban donations, the State will inevitably be obliged to provide increased resources to fund elections. It is time to have a proper debate on what it means to have State funding for political parties in our democracy. Ireland is a democratic Republic and it is important, therefore, that an open and transparent debate should take place on this matter.

The debate on the future of the Seanad is ongoing and further developments are awaited in respect of it. We must consider reform proposals on how the House conducts its business. Such a consideration is taking place and a number of significant changes were introduced to Standing Orders in recent weeks. In a welcome innovation, the Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food came before the House this morning and took part in an question and answer session which lasted a couple of hours. The session was quite a success.

Political reform must permeate all levels of representation, from town councils to the office of the President. There is no need for cynical responses from any quarter on the matter of reform. What is required is a positive, proactive approach from all parties. If we are to strive for a fairer and more efficient political system, we must change it in such a way that is conducive to equal and proper representation.