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

I thank the Senator for that contribution. To follow on from the Minister’s points, Senators are aware that we could draw the line at a number of places and cover a wide variety of educational qualifications but, given that we have already made such significant change to the constituencies, I believe it is prudent to hold the qualification level to what is currently in place. It is a matter that can be considered at another time, given that An Coimisiún Toghcháin has broad-ranging powers, roles and responsibilities in terms of its research function but also in its post-electoral event reviews. The opportunity is there and this covers Seanad elections. Its role on the Seanad register of process will be given further consideration and ensure that what we are doing with this Bill can be appropriately built on in the future. This is an important part of that reform process and the Minister has outlined that too. It is important that we continue on that trajectory for reform. The points the Senator has raised are valid, as are the suggestions and proposals in her own Bill, but the responsibility and remit of An Coimisiún Toghcháin to carry out post-electoral event reviews affords us an opportunity to look at additional changes that could be made into the future.