David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I welcome the amendments but seek clarification on a number of issues from the Minister. Up to now the practice has been that political parties could make their annual accounts available, though they were not required to do so. In the context of these amendments, are we talking about every branch of a political party? If that is what is being proposed, it would be useful. The only party-related accounts that I am aware of that come under the Standards in Public Office Commission are the donations accounts. So, for example, if a public representative opens a donations account and receives donations, he or she must make those accounts available to the commission. Are we going down that road in terms of every party account? I know it is not contained in this Bill but is it something the Minister could examine? I am assuming that it is not but rather that a party would make available a register of all the accounts and the persons associated with the accounts, namely, the nominated persons, such as treasurers and so on. Is the Minister inclined to make all of those accounts subject to scrutiny by the commission as well, which is the body designated to look after these matters? I ask the Minister to offer some clarification on these matters.