asked the Minister for Local Government whether the Government intend to introduce legislation to change the present system of election to the Seanad.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Seanad Election System.
92.
No proposals for legislation to change the present system of election to the Seanad are at present being considered by the Government.
Is the Minister aware that because four members of the Oireachtas must sign nomination papers, it leaves the practice open to corruption? A person might get two persons to nominate him or three and have difficulty getting the fourth person and he will not hesitate to make an offer——
As long as it is not accepted, I take it it is all right?
Two votes should be enough and that would eliminate any chance of corruption.
There would be more value in that.
Question No. 93.
Does the Minister not intend to implement in any shape the report of the Commission in relation to the Seanad?
I do not think so.
Does the Minister not intend to introduce any legislation to check the abuses in relation to voting that have become apparent in the election now being concluded, as a result of which it is well known that certain people did not vote in secret but were brought to vote all together so that each could see the vote of the others?
There is not any——
Arising from Deputy Sweetman's question, is the Minister aware that both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael adopted that practice?
The Labour Party is innocent, of course.
Both of these Parties brought men there together and the vote was not in secret, but Fine Gael did it as well as Fianna Fáil.
And Labour did not.
I do not know what happens in Cork but is the Minister aware that in certain constituencies in Munster, certain people were brought together and they did not vote in secret? Is he further aware that in one case a Minister endeavoured to ensure that they did not so vote?
Surely there is no legislation needed for that?
There should be some check.
(Interruptions.)