David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I support these amendments. The Minister has struck the right balance with €100. What is the position if a series of lodgments of sums under €100, such as €99 or €95, is made to a donations account? That could cause concern for the commission. The commission would have no obligation to investigate such an account. We are always examining ways in which we can prevent people exploiting loopholes in the provisions to ensure proper accountability and transparency. The figure of €100 strikes the right balance but we should obviously be concerned about and guard against abuses of the system.

The amendments will provide clarity and greater accountability and transparency, especially in respect of anonymous donations. Anonymous donations partly resulted in the problem with which the Minister is seeking to deal. He has dealt with it and we will be supporting the amendments.