Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. Where a few words suffice, I will not use too many.

This Bill is welcomed by both sides of the House. I read the transcripts of the speeches made in the Lower House. Although one colleague of mine expressed some reservations, it was fair comment. The Bill seeks to update dated legislation. I did not know until I read the legislation that a bankrupt person could stand for election to a local authority but not to the Dáil, the Seanad and the European Parliament. I wonder if there are statistics for the numbers of bankrupt members of local authorities. We are coming into line with best international practice. As the Minister outlined in great detail, we have many checks and balances in the system such as the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, the corporate donations restrictions and new regulations under the Criminal Justice (Corruption) Bill which will further strengthen the system to ensure those who engage in corrupt acts are not allowed to stand for national office. It is very important that we close this loophole. I welcome Fianna Fáil's positive response to the Bill. I also read that Sinn Féin had supported it in the Lower House. Are candidates waiting in the wings and will this legislation be passed before the closing date for nominations to run in the European elections campaign?