Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Mooney's comments. It is a practical and pragmatic approach that removes the temptation for political parties and individuals to amass large amounts of money for political purposes and then, by perception or otherwise, to creep into a position whereby influence is being bought. The reduction to €200 provided for in this legislation is a major response to that perception, which in some cases unfortunately was the reality. Its purpose is to deal with the highly corrosive impact that situation was having on the body politic. Senator Bacik has asked a question in respect of local elections and the same regulations will apply to local elections as to all other elections. The amendments under discussion also will incorporate candidates for local authority elections.

For the purposes of clarity, I refer to the position regarding donations from abroad. I have to hand a note it might be worth reading, because not everyone may be aware of what is the exact legal position. The following types of donation are prohibited, namely, foreign donations of any amount from non-Irish citizens or companies not operating in this country, as well as anonymous donations exceeding €100 on foot of this Bill. A person may not accept a donation of any value from an individual, other than an Irish citizen, who resides outside the island of Ireland. Similarly, a donation of any value may not be accepted from a body corporate or an unincorporated body of persons, which does not keep an office on the island of Ireland from which at least one of its principal activities is directed. The onus is on the recipient of a donation to make whatever inquiries are necessary and to obtain any corroborating evidence that may be required to be satisfied that he or she is not precluded from accepting a donation from the person concerned. In practice, this means that a political party can solicit donations from Irish citizens living abroad but donations from people of Irish descent who are not citizens of Ireland are prohibited.