Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I acknowledge the role of the proposed electoral commission and how crucial that will be to advancing further where we are with elections and referenda. It was made very clear, however, during debates in this Chamber - I think it was with the Minister of State, Deputy Phelan - that an electoral commission could take a considerable amount of time to establish. In the time we would have to wait, we could risk other organisations ending up in the same position as Equate Ireland and having to close their doors. A relatively small amendment is required and it could be made instead of having to wait for the establishment of the electoral commission. Will the Minister consider introducing such an amendment? If not, there is support in this Chamber for considering legislative options on an Opposition cross-party basis. I would much prefer, however, if the Minister's Department could look at accelerating an amendment. It could do that much faster than we can. The organisations are worried about having to wait for an electoral commission, which could take many years to happen.