The programme for Government contains a commitment to review our electoral laws and protect our democracy from external influences like political donations from non-citizens outside the State. At the weekend, there was another revelation regarding Sinn Féin's finances. We heard further contradictions about its electoral spending and more questions were raised about its statutory filings. Sinn Féin is the richest party in this country and yet it failed repeatedly to pay its bills to a local business in my constituency. Our electoral laws need to be updated, and that needs to happen quickly. What is the position in this regard?

I thank the Deputy for raising the important issue of our electoral laws. On Saturday, The Irish Times reported that the Standards in Public Office Commission is examining irregularities in Sinn Féin's accounts. The accounts have also been examined by a senior independent accountant, who confirmed the anomalies. We are talking about large sums of money - hundreds of thousands of euro. We have had tribunals for less. This could become a major political issue. It would be appropriate for some time to be set aside for statements on the matter to allow the party president and party treasurer, who are Members of this House, to account for what has been going on and for there to be responses. I strongly believe that accountability should not just be for Government parties. This is public money, and public money needs to be minded. Our electoral laws underpin our democracy and must be upheld. This matter should get the attention of the House, and we should hear statements from the president of Sinn Féin and the party treasurer as to what exactly has been going on.