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

I would like to do so and I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I know we are discussing an amendment that was ruled out of order but it is important to spend a bit of time on the matter. I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment behind the amendment. The Bill is to carry out a specific function, which is to address the boundaries and give effect to the recommendations of an coimisiún in its boundary review. Notwithstanding this, the issues raised by Senators are of paramount importance.

I have stood in several electoral events down the years. Thankfully, I never had any real trouble at my family home. That is not to say that circumstances have not changed dramatically over recent months. Not only do we see the rise of the far right but, in tandem, we see disinformation being put online and not being challenged. Social media companies came before an Oireachtas committee in recent weeks. I met them in the run-up to the development of the Electoral Reform Act, particularly with regard to how we challenge misinformation and online political advertising during electoral events. It is clear there is a significant challenge there. I am conscious, as is the Government, that we want to encourage people to participate in politics. We want more women involved in politics and we want to get greater diversity in politics. We want to ensure that people feel safe and supported if they put their names on a ballot paper and that they will not be threatened or have that threat brought to their family home. That is the last thing any of us wants.

Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about having a consistent approach and ensuring we protect our democracy. We have a very good democratic system but democratic systems are under threat throughout the world. That is why the commission exists. It is one of many reasons we established an independent electoral commission for Ireland.

Specifically on the amendment, I assure Senators that an coimisiún will issue guidance to returning officers and local authorities in advance of electoral events. That is very important.