David Norris (Independent)

I welcome the Minister to the House and the introduction of this Bill. I agree that it will fundamentally change the way politics is conducted. In fact, I would go so far as to say it has the potential to transform the political landscape in this State in a very positive way. As the longest-serving continuous Member of the Seanad - the father of the House - it is a matter of pride to me that the constituency I represent has always met the target of 30% female representation. Past Senators for the University of Dublin have included Mary Robinson, Carmencita Hederman and Mary Henry. The Deputy Leader, Senator Ivana Bacik, is the latest woman to be elected to the constituency.

It is very important that any suggestion of corruption, golden circles and so on should be cut away, as is clearly the Minister's intention. He referred to excessive and secretive corporate funding. I remember when that type of situation was very much worse. It has improved gradually in recent years and this Bill represents another step in the right direction. It was referred to as a "baby step" by one speaker. On the contrary, it is a very significant measure in several respects.

While the Minister spoke about the balance of representation in the Dáil between men and women, he was challenged on the omission of the Seanad in this regard. I will not extend that challenge other than to express my agreement with colleagues' observation that the Seanad's exclusion is curious. That is especially so given the point made by the Minister in his opening contribution:

It is appropriate that the Bill is commencing its passage through the Oireachtas in the Seanad. Members of this House have played a particularly crucial role in highlighting the need for legislation to address the shortcomings in our democratic system.

The Minister paid tribute to the essential role played by Seanad Éireann in this area, yet he has omitted to include it in these proposals. I hope the Seanad's acknowledged contribution will be taken into account when it comes to making a decision on a referendum on the future of this House.

My colleague, Senator Mary White, has drawn attention to considerable discriminatory practices within some of the farming organisations, observations which were subject to widespread comment. I took part in the debate in 2010 in which I indicated my support for the proposals put forward. In regard to donations, not only is the Seanad excluded but the question of Independent representation is not properly addressed. Instead, the entire proposal is once again skewed in favour of the political parties and against Independent Members. If the Minister wants to equalise matters in regard to women, he should also equalise them in regard to Independents. While parties have access to enormous resources, the Minister is reducing even further the miserable amounts permitted to Independent Members.

In each of the last several elections I received nothing because I felt I was already in the system and was sufficiently funded. However, one of my colleagues received €30,000 in a large number of equal denominations. That is quite interesting. I am referring here to Senator Rónán Mullen. If I am wrong, I will withdraw the statement. It is very valuable to have Senator Mullen's voice in the House, because it is a contrary one which is against the current of the times. We need that type of exchange of different ideas.