Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to respond to what the Minister said. I go some of the way with what the Minister is saying. I understand that political parties need funding. Our democracy needs political parties that are resourced and are able to put their case to the people. However, I point to two flaws. First, people are elected through a system that is based on individuals. In Dáil elections they may have the party logo and the same may be true in Seanad elections - I am not sure. In general people vote for individuals.