Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious of that issue. Section 10E provides for me as the Minister to be able to fix a date from which the provisions of the Act relating to reporting and the retention of documents will apply to Independent Members and leaders of qualifying parties. We want the legislation to be enacted, as it was a commitment made some time ago. We will need to have a bedding down period, but the accounting will not happen for a considerable time after the money has been drawn down. Members will have many months next year to get everything right. While I am anxious that the legislation would come into effect in terms of the 10% restriction, given that it will save money, I will ensure there is proper time for people to understand and apply the provisions to their circumstances in a rational and unhurried way.