Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

Senator Cáit Keane's comment indicates exactly what I do not want to do, that is, have a witch-hunt against an individual who is not a member of a political party but who wants to express his political preference in a bona fide manner or support the political process anonymously. A balance must be struck in allowing this practice to continue but we must not create an administrative nightmare for political parties or candidates. I do not believe the threshold of €100 will be associated with major corruption. However, it allows people to express their support anonymously for the ideas of a political party or individual candidate. I am trying to streamline the various standards and at the same time not generate unnecessary administrative bureaucracy.