Ms Lynn Boylan:

These are the mechanics. We are talking about the general principles and opening up the conversation about whether we agree that we want to extend the vote to people living outside the State. We are open to suggestions about how it is done. The reserved constituency works as a barrier to swamping, which is one of the fears people have about extending the right to vote. Although we have not set out a very concrete proposal, we think the reserved constituency is the preferred method because it prevents swamping. The logistics of representation for the different countries or areas can be decided once we get broad agreement on whether we are in favour of extending the vote or not.