114 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will make regulations increasing the spending limits for the 2007 general election; the amount to which spending limits will be increased; the persons he intends to consult regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36514/06]

Section 32 of the Electoral Act 1997, as amended, specifies the maximum amounts of expenditure which may be incurred on behalf of a candidate at a Dáil election. The amounts are €25,394.76 in a 3 seat constituency; €31,743.45 in a 4 seat constituency; and €38,092.14 in a 5 seat constituency. Section 3 of the Act provides that these amounts may be varied, by order of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, having regard to changes in the Consumer Price Index. Any such order must be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

No decision regarding an amending order has been made at this stage. I will consider any views that may be put forward in the matter.