Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators Ruane, Higgins, Black and Flynn for tabling these amendments, which relate to requiring that an coimisiún undertake a review of the Electoral Act 1997. As the Senators will be aware, Chapter 9 of Part 2 of the Bill provides for an coimisiún to take on a new policy, research and advisory function. As part of its work, an coimisiún will prepare research programmes, conduct research on electoral policy and procedure and provide advice as required to the Minister and the Government on electoral issues. It can make recommendations to the Government in relation to proposals and changes to electoral legislation.

I am mindful of the independence of an coimisiún and do not intend to legislate to require it to carry out particular elements of research. However, guided by the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future, it is intended that an coimisiún will be requested to carry out several items of research. These include a review of the Electoral Act 1997 as it relates to political funding. This would be with the view to an coimisiún making recommendations on how to address, among other matters, the concerns raised by civil society organisations concerning the definition of "political purposes" and its impact on fundraising activities of certain civil society organisations. It is my belief that the proposed review could be completed within a relatively short timeframe, following the establishment of an coimisiún toghcháin. Furthermore, given the complex issues provided for in the Electoral Act 1997, it is considered that the carrying out of such a comprehensive review of the Act would deliver an independent, objective, clear and efficient outcome for all affected parties, with regard to the entirety of the interrelated provisions of the Act.

I reiterate that I have given a firm commitment to the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, ICCL, and to the coalition of civil society organisations that the commission would carry out this piece of work soon after its formation. Again, I give that commitment to the Senators this afternoon.