Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The issue of people living in flats and apartments is one which particularly needs to be addressed. There is generally no difficulty with the older estates on which people have traditionally lived. Problems arise in areas in which people move about very quickly and it is to these the Minister should direct the attention of local authorities. Recently, I came across an apartment complex from which no one voted at the last election as people had moved on and the local register was out of date.

I also ask the Minister to direct the attention of local authorities to the issue of the registration of people in rural areas alphabetically rather than by address. One does not know who is where. It is a matter which must be addressed for those of us who want to canvass every house by name but do not know everyone in a rural area.

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