Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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It is our understanding that transport by helicopter is not always feasible. These are inconvenient realities and we need to be in a position to prepare and react to them proportionately.

We have spoken to returning officers about these arrangements and their clear preference is to retain flexibility. Such a provision allows them to make decisions on the occasion of every election and referendum having regard to weather conditions and transport availability. Deputy Ó Cuív has campaigned about this matter for a very long time. Regrettably, I cannot accept his amendment but I will undertake to write to the returning officers on this matter when the general election is called to seek their advice on weather conditions and to clarify what they wish to do. I hope my undertaking will satisfy the Deputy.