THE Electoral Bill, which provides for State funding of political parties, passed all stages. Mr Willie Farrell joined with his Fianna Fail colleague, Mr Paschal Mooney, in expressing concerns about the administrative cost of the new funding arrangements. "The politicians will get crumbs and the administrators will get the big bucks," claimed Mr Farrell. He believed the administrative cost would far exceed the monies to be disbursed to the parties.
Mr Mooney said he was seriously concerned that they were creating a bureaucratic giant which would become a monster that would ultimately get out of hand. Mr Michael Calnan (Lab) said he was glad donations of £500 or more to candidates would have to be disclosed. But he hoped they would not get people availing of the "Dunnes price list of £499.99 instead of £500".
Demand to continue duty free
A STRONG appeal for a continuation of duty free sales was made by Mr G.V. Wright (FE) who said Aer Rianta management had given indications of the effect that a cessation of such sales would have on the company under EU changes. It had been estimated that an end to such sales, and other activities, would cost £40 million. But, more importantly, there would be significant job losses. Mr Wright urged that every effort be made to ensure that the dutyfree sales facility was continued, as such sales cost the State nothing.
Ms Jan O'Sullivan (Lab) supporting Mr Wright's call, said these sales were an extremely important economic element, particularly in terms of the State's airport activities.