Labour has kicked off a campaign against Government proposals to increase the spending limit for general elections saying it gives Fianna Fáil an unfair advantage.
The party also claims the Electoral (Amendment) Bill being proposed by the Minister for the Environment Mr Dempsey ensures a link remains between big business and politics.
Limits on how much parties could spend in election campaigns were first introduced in 1997. Labour claims those provisions are adequate.
The Bill would increase the limit in three-seater constituencies from £14,500 to £20,000 and from £20,600 to £30,000 in a five-seater constituency.
Labour's Seanad spokewoman on the Environment Ms Kathleen O'Meara said: "The Bill is not about reform of our electoral law. It is not about reviewing and updating existing procedures. It is about providing Fianna Fáil with an additional £1 million spend at the next election.
"The truth is that Fianna Fáil, with their rich corporate backers, is the only party really in a position to raise big money."
However, speaking in the Seanad this morning Mr Dempsey said the original expenditure limits were not set at reasonable limits and what he is proposing would set them at "sensible and workable levels".
"Candidates and member of both Houses should be able to about their daily business, whether acting as representatives of the people or campaigning at an election without the need to carry a calculator to ensure that every penny spent is accounted for", Mr Dempsey said.
He went on to say that the proposed new limits were the same for all candidates and do not provide additional funds for Fianna Fáil.
