Ms Fiona Quinn:

Yes. That is one of the most important prerequisites if we are to facilitate this. Voting would be the next significant issue in terms of timing and practicalities. We have examined what has happened elsewhere. Options around the world include in-country voting, which is what we have and where people have been out of the State for less than 18 months and are still deemed ordinarily resident here; voting at embassies and consulates, which some countries allow; postal voting; voting by proxy; electronic voting and a combination of these. It is a complex question and we need to arrive at the right answer.

To answer the Senator's first question in a long-winded way, this will not be possible to deliver before the 2018 presidential election. We will continue to work on it, though. The options paper will display the level of analysis and consideration that is being given to this by us and our colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We will move forward. Once a decision is made on the ultimate option to be put to the people, a period of time will be required to make the practical arrangements. For example, the requirement to pass an electoral amendment Bill will be an important factor for people to consider when the question is put to them. What changes would result from this Bill? The constitutional amendment and this Bill comprise a first step. For people to be able to make an informed and considered decision, some of the detail of how it will be given effect will have to be clear to them.

Does Ms Ní Fhlanghaile wish to answer some of the questions?