asked the Minister for Local Government what steps are taken to ensure against bribery of voters in elections for Seanad Éireann.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Precautions Against Bribery in Seanad Elections.
48.
Section 44 of the Prevention of Electoral Abuses Act, 1923, provides that where information is given to the Attorney General that bribery has prevailed at an election it shall be his duty to make such inquiries and institute such prosecutions as the circumstances appear to him to require.
The offence is punishable, on summary conviction, by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, by disfranchisement for 7 years and by disqualification, also for 7 years, for holding any judicial office or being a member of the Dáil, Seanad or any local authority. Further, if an election court reports that bribery has been committed by or with the consent of a candidate he is permanently disqualified for membership of the Oireachtas.
Is the Minister aware that in cases of impersonation—they happen by the thousands—no one is ever prosecuted. That being so——
The question relates to Seanad elections.
Yes, but it is the same thing. It is bribery, no matter how you look at it.