Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

He does not, he has the opportunity to amend the register. On election day, a voter might arrive at the polling station to vote only to be told he cannot vote because his name is not on the register. He can then say to the polling clerk that his name was on the proof register when he checked it. The polling clerk can check that and then contact the registrar who can say the person can vote. That is not the same as a general right of extension. The registrar has no rights above and beyond those of the Minister. The judgment on Carrickmines strictly curtailed the Minister's rights. Our electoral law has traditionally been framed by specifying dates and that causes inflexibility.

The Deputy wants to ensure the maximum possible time for all these changes. The timeframe has been extended until 2 January, which involves the Christmas and holiday periods. That is why a few years ago changes were made to restrict the timeframes to November. It is a major task. After the registrar signs off, it is a major undertaking to get the registers printed and distributed between 12 January and 1 February.

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