Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The problem with the Minister's proposal in amendment No. 28a to extend the timeframe by two weeks is that the period in question includes the Christmas holiday. As a result, the additional time available to local councils will probably be just one week. The only date not being changed is the date on which the final register must be published. This means no additions may be made to the register in the 19-day period between the deadline by which county registrars must complete their work and the date of publication of the register. This interregnum, which will be used exclusively for printing, provides a window of opportunity for the Minister to extend the deadline.

The deadline for the register is 1 February, while the final document is to be issued on 15 February. Why not postpone the publication date for the final document until 1 March?

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