Seanad referendum campaign costs
Senators debate the distinction between Government and party campaigning, the timing of the Seanad abolition campaign, and the disputed cost of maintaining the Seanad.
Following on from Senator MacSharry's point, the Minister, Deputy Bruton, is the director of elections for Fine Gael in this campaign, not for the Government. That is an important point.
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Fine Gael is the senior partner.
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He should inform the Labour Party.
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It is collective responsibility. It is a coalition.
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As the Senator well knows, there is a very important difference, particularly in a referendum campaign, between those who are working on behalf of the Government as director of elections and those working on behalf of individual parties. The timing of the launch yesterday was most unfortunate, as it took place before the Bill had passed through the House. I am glad the Minister, Deputy Bruton, clarified the cost issue this morning on "Morning Ireland" by explaining that the direct cost of the Seanad was quite a good deal less than the €20 million figure that was being bandied about yesterday. That is a very welcome clarification. I hope we will see some more clarification on those issues.