Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I could agree with the provision to allow Senators to pay for the election. A Bill brought to the Seanad must be financially neutral but it would be unconstitutional if one does not have the same scenario for the Oireachtas Dáil elections. We should let them pay for that as well. One cannot apply one rule to a Dáil election and a different rule to a Seanad election as the provision would be challenged in the courts.

Section 47 states: "The Act of 1997 is amended to include, after Section 32." I agree with the Minister that election expenses should be laid down but they should not be returned to a candidate if he or she does not reach a certain quota of votes just like a Dáil election. There is no provision for a quota. The Bill should provide that a quota of votes must be met before a person is entitled to a return of his or her expenses.

There is a list of recognised professions in appendix 1. This is a small issue but I would have liked to see househusband or housewife listed in the appendix along with the present list of occupations. Such a stipulation would give recognition to the job of househusband and housewife.

With regard to Schedule 2, I want to ask Senator Crown about institutions of education. I know that he has said that as well as the listed institution it includes "any institution for HETAC level 7". May I have another minute?