Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, for agreeing to take this Commencement matter. Ironically, I met the Minister of State with responsibility for electoral reform in the Seanad anteroom and we had an opportunity to discuss some of this. He had a decided view; that is his view and I am not here to communicate his view, but I would share his view, which is encouraging.

I have a very simple ask today. The Minister of State, Senator Hackett, might ask why I am asking about the local elections statutory order for the designation of the election date, so I will tell her why. When I raised this in the House, I was told it is a matter that the Minister will deal with in due course. I then wrote to the Department and I have correspondence from officials in the Department but as the officials are not here, it would not be appropriate for me to quote what the officials said. Ultimately, the Ministers of the Government are responsible for the conduct of Government business.

The matter I raise refers to the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, to make a statement confirming the official voting date for the forthcoming local elections and to confirm his full intention to sign the statutory order for that date. I do that for a number of reasons. It is important to set out the context in Seanad Éireann. There are 949 councillors elected to 31 local authorities. All will be facing an election some time in June and I do not think there is any secret that it will be in June. A number of them, from all parties and none, have contacted me to say they wish to prepare literature, which is expensive, because they want to encourage voter turnout and, for that reason, they would like to indicate the exact date. I know Friday, 7 June, has been considered as a possible date. That is the important point.

On a positive note, I acknowledge the work the Government has done, and given I have a few minutes of speaking time, I have made the point about that. There is a desire for inclusion. There is still an under-representation of women and people from diverse backgrounds in local authority council chambers across the country, and that does not altogether reflect the rich make-up and diversity of our country. It is an important point. I acknowledge that Department officials have worked hard in recent years to encourage greater participation of women and those from diverse backgrounds in politics. I also acknowledge the Government's financial commitment and the latest figure I have is that €435,000 has been allocated to political parties.I do not see Independents there but when one of the Ministers was at the launch of a portrait and spoke about inclusion and inspiration in local politics, he said that €435,000 had been allocated to encourage greater participation of women and those from diverse groups in local politics. Again, I acknowledge that as being really positive.

We know we want to encourage more women to run for election and to encourage people who have never experienced political life and who do not really know the ropes and processes into local politics. We know there is under-representation of diverse groups in local politics. We know we will have mayoral elections in June. A large Bill passed through both Houses. We want to encourage voter turnout and for candidates to promote voter turnout in their election literature. We know that the European elections have to be held between 7 and 9 June so that shortens the date. Friday is 7 June. Perhaps the Minister of State might throw some light on that. We want certainty for all political groups and none, we want to encourage high participation from a diverse number of people and more information about this process would be welcome.