John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Nolan. We are out of sync with approximately 115 countries which grant voting rights to their citizens. I acknowledge that many of these countries are outside the European Union. A vast number of Irish people in Australia and America, including relations of mine, keep in touch constantly with what is happening in Ireland. It is important to realise that the vast majority of those who emigrate for work go of necessity and not by choice. Some feel very aggrieved because they are unable to have a say in the politics of their country as a consequence. It is important that we all bear mind that this issue extends beyond the European Union. I could be wrong but I believe the vast majority of Irish citizens abroad, who are in America, Australia, New Zealand and such places, are not even being considered at this stage. Not bringing them all on board would be wrong.

I have two questions for Ms Nolan. She said the arrangement was not binding. If we are not able to introduce legislation in the immediate future or medium term, is it likely that the European Union might make the provision binding on Ireland? Ms Nolan said people needed to demonstrate that they had an interest in Irish politics. How can they do that? Must they do so through Facebook or otherwise? Very many people who left Ireland for other locations in the European Union are already registered in Ireland and keep in touch with Irish relations. I would not want to stipulate that people must prove they have an interest in Irish politics. The mere fact that they are Irish citizens who have to work in Europe should be enough. If they had been taken off the register here, it should be enough for them to have a say in how their country is run.