Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I thank Senators on all sides of the House for their contributions to the debate. The comments focused both on the Bill and, as might be expected, the electoral agenda generally. In the time available it is not possible for me to comment on all the points made. I propose to respond to some of the issues raised and further discussions will take place on Committee Stage.

I welcome the strong support evident during the debate for the measures in the Bill. Those provide for the holding of Dáil by-elections within six months of a vacancy occurring and a reduction in the spending and reimbursement limits that apply in presidential elections.

Different views were offered in the debate on the proposal to change the terms of reference of a constituency commission to provide for a reduction in the number of Members in the Dáil. Many speakers were very supportive. In his contribution the Minister, Deputy Hogan, stated that the political system cannot ask others to change and make sacrifices if it is not prepared to do the same. The reduction in the number of Deputies is a first step along the path of electoral reform.

The programme for Government commits to a radical overhaul of the way Irish politics and Government works. It sets out a wide-ranging series of commitments to that end. The Minister, Deputy Hogan, is committed to working with his Government colleagues and with all the Oireachtas Members to implement these measures fully.

The Bill before us deals with three specific issues which will bring about real and meaningful change but that is not all. In addition to the Bill before the House, on 8 June 2011 the Minister published the general scheme of the Electoral (Amendment)(Political Donations) Bill 2011. Provision is made in that Bill for the restriction of corporate donations, a reduction in the amount that can be received as political donations, and a reduction in the thresholds for declaring political donations. Political parties will now also be required to submit their annual accounts to the Standards in Public Office Commission for publication.

The new legislation includes a provision that political parties will face a cut of half their State political funding if they do not have at least 30% female and 30% male candidates at the next general election. That will then rise to 40% after seven years.

In line with the Government's commitment to reform the way legislation is debated and implemented, the Minister will publish the general scheme and invite public input into its contents. We can look forward to debating that Bill in the House in the autumn.

The proposal to abolish the Seanad was signalled by the Government parties prior to the general election. The programme for Government contains a commitment to put that question to the people in a referendum. Work is proceeding in the Taoiseach's Department on the preparation of proposals for such a referendum. The Dáil and Seanad will have an opportunity to fully debate the legislation when it is published.

I wish to refer briefly to concerns raised by some Senators regarding specific recommendations. Senator Wilson and Senator Mooney discussed the fact that the county of Leitrim is split between two constituencies. Senator Wilson referred to the decision of the last commission on the Kerry-Limerick region. We must bear in mind that constituency formation is not a perfect science. People do not always live in the areas that would enable constituencies to be drawn up which meet with general approval. The overriding constitutional requirement of equality and representation means that breaches of obvious boundaries are unavoidable in certain circumstances.

In the revision process somebody's interest must inevitably be affected. That is the price we must pay for our electoral system which has generally served us very well. I have no doubt that when the next commission issues its recommendations some people will be unhappy. The general consensus, however, is that the job should be instructed to an independent commission. That being the case the commission should be allowed to do the job in the way that seems best to it within the terms of reference given to it.

Difficult choices have been made in the past and will be made in the future. It is open to anyone to make a submission to the commission and having considered the options, the commission will make its decision. The Senators or I might make a different choice but we cannot fault the commission for that. It carries out its task in accordance with the mandate given to it.

During the course of the debate many Senators referred to the need for real reform of local government. I strongly agree. I am happy to say that a range of work relevant to local government reform is under way. The Minister recently established an independent implementation group to progress the relevant recommendations of the local government efficiency review in areas such as shared services, procurement, value for money, and audit. He has asked the group to build on the extensive efficiencies achieved by local authorities in the past two years or more and to focus on key recommendations that will remove cost and yield earliest financial savings for the benefit of the sector and the community.

In terms of structural reform, good progress has been made. The Government recently decided to implement the main recommendations of the Limerick local government committee involving the creation of a single local authority to replace Limerick city and county councils. That historic decision will lead to the first major change in local government in years. It will bring about a more cohesive and better integrated system of local government for Limerick city and county, with the potential to provide better value for money, eliminate duplication and free up financial and human resources for critical projects such as the revitalisation of Limerick city centre.

The Minister is also considering wider proposals to renew and develop the local government system. Key objectives in this regard 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 and funding arrangements.

Relevant proposals in recent reports including the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure programmes and the local government efficiency review will be taken into account in the development of policy in this area. The Minister will also publish a policy statement on local government that will outline Government policy in this area in line with the programme for Government.

I stress again the Government's commitment to electoral and political reform. This Bill is a first step in that reform agenda. I thank the Senators again for their contributions.