Fiach MacConghail (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move:

That Seanad Éireann, noting that:
- the agreed Programme for Government 2011-2016 promises the establishment of an electoral commission as an integral part of political reform;
- the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 reaffirms this commitment and further commits to the establishment of an electoral commission with ‘a view to bringing forward legislation for the establishment of such a Commission in early 2015’; and
- the Fourth Report of the Convention of the Constitution in August 2013 recommends the establishment of an electoral commission;
calls on:
- the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to outline the progress and timetable for the establishment of an independent electoral commission.

I welcome the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to the Seanad to debate an important and crucial pillar of political and electoral reform. I have a feeling we will get to know the Minister over the next couple of days when other legislation comes before the House.