Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

In establishing the detailed arrangements for citizens to cast their vote, it is necessary to strike a proper balance between the requirement to maintain the security and integrity of the electoral process and providing a necessary degree of flexibility. The Deputy is rightly concerned and has been concerned for some time about having maximum assurance about the genuine credentials of persons presenting themselves to vote. However, requiring the vetting of identification documents in all cases would cause delay in voting arrangements. More importantly, 100% vetting would remove a necessary flexibility from the system. For example, if an elderly voter who is well known to everyone at a polling station and is not challenged by anyone fails to bring along a particular document, would it be reasonable to reject his or her request to vote? I think not. We are not Ryanair.

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