Ms Ríona Ní Fhlanghaile:

There is a chapter in the options paper devoted to financial matters. It refers to ballpark figures. We were not looking for the cheapest or most cost-effective option. We are after the best. Postal voting will be expensive. Right now, we think it is the best option. It is not without risk, including security risks, and it is expensive.

Those who have watched postal ballot papers being opened at a count centre and have seen them being issued would realise that if one multiplies that by a significant figure, costs would increase. For us, costs are not a barrier or an obstacle. They probably will be when we go to people in a referendum because there is no doubt a cost will be involved.