asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the fact that approximately £3 million will be made available to certain political parties out of EEC funds in 1977-78 to assist them in their preparation for the EEC elections, he will make pro rata payments out of public funds to independent candidates and candidates of other political parties which do not qualify for EEC grants, thereby avoiding discrimination against smaller parties and individuals in this country.

Irish national law in relation to the conduct of direct elections to the Assembly of the European Communities is contained in the European Assembly Elections Act, 1977, which includes provision for limited free postage for candidates. There is no other provision for assistance from public funds for candidates and political parties at these elections and there are no proposals at present to change the law in this regard.

Would the Minister not agree that this discriminates against the smaller groups who might wish to put up a candidate? Surely the Minister is not frightened of that.

I have no power to allocate the money to which the Deputy refers to the different political parties. That is not a function of mine. At present I understand that money is being made available to recognised groups within Parliaments.

A convenient arrangement.