Ivana Bacik (Independent)

It is good to hear that Fianna Fáil supports this measure, just as it was good to hear Sinn Féin express support for these amendments. Senator Mooney referred to democracy as a fragile flower and the Mahon report showed how close we in Ireland came to seriously destroying that fragile flower. In that context, when considering the findings of the Mahon report, it also is important to ensure the provision of adequate regulation of cash donations and corporate donations at local level in respect of local elections. Is the Minister satisfied the balance this legislation has been so careful in striking also has been struck for local elections and local election candidates, about which there has been such concern regarding corruption in the recent past?