Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I thank my colleague, Deputy O'Dowd, for tabling this proposal. While I do not expect the Government to support it, I urge it to do so. The Taoiseach may sadly have made his mind up on the issue, but perhaps the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, has some small degree of influence with him and can persuade him of the arguments.

The only question that one can ask, of the Taoiseach in particular and the Government in general, is why they are so afraid to hold the election on a date that facilitates young people to vote. The Taoiseach has commented on the issue in as definitive a manner as might be expected, and it seems very clear that he is determined to hold the election on a Thursday. He owes the House and, more importantly, the people, particularly young people, an explanation why he is not prepared to hold the election on a day that facilitates the highest turn-out. We have heard much lip service from the Government about young people. If it wanted to show it is concerned about issues affecting young people, it would facilitate them to vote and have their voices heard.

There are obvious reasons for the Government parties to be concerned about the views of young people. In recent years, young people have experienced significant increases in third level registration fees. Originally, the increases were intended to be in line with inflation but, effectively, the registration fees have become a fee by the back door. Young people cannot go on to third level if they do not pay these fees. Perhaps the Government parties are concerned there may be a backlash in this regard. Likewise, it is young people and first-time buyers who have suffered as a result of the Government's failure to tackle stamp duty in the past five years. They are the ones being crucified in paying the penal tax that is due.

We have not had a clear message from the Government on this issue because it is clearly all over the place, although the larger party in Government, Fianna Fáil, has been clear it will not do anything about stamp duty. Today, we had probably the clearest reply the Taoiseach has ever given in this House. When asked by Deputy Kenny whether he would do something about stamp duty in the lifetime of the Government, he said "No". Perhaps he is concerned young people will indicate to him in the ballot box that this is an issue that affects them and that they want to see action taken on it. He may fear young people will penalise Fianna Fáil for failing to take action on the matter.

Young people are unlikely to be fooled by the Progressive Democrats' posturing on stamp duty in recent months. That party has also been in power for the past ten years and it is equally responsible as Fianna Fáil for failing to do anything in this regard. Nobody will be fooled by the Progressive Democrats raising the issue after almost ten years of Government. The Tánaiste will get his answer in regard to that also. These are issues that influence how young people will vote. The Government's failure to tackle such issues has the Taoiseach running scared.

When asked about not facilitating young people, the Taoiseach replied they can get postal votes. I expect the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will probably refer to that fact in due course. The reality of flatland living is that as soon as third level institutions close, students will leave their accommodation. On-campus accommodation, for instance, is let out during the summer. We do not know when the general election will be held and, if one is registered for a postal vote, it may be sent to empty flats where students are no longer living. They will be caught whichever direction they turn as they will neither get their postal ballot paper nor be able to vote at home. The provision of postal votes for students does not adequately facilitate students to vote. Students would have a better chance of voting if they knew the date of the election. This waiting game is causing a degree of difficulty for students who will be sitting exams that are important for their future. Not knowing when the election will take place further disenfranchises students.

I urge the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to provide a degree of clarity on the opening and closing times of polling stations as they have varied from election to election. It would be preferable if we were clear about the times as otherwise it can lead to confusion. I assume the Minister is not aware of the date of the election but Senator O'Rourke must be, as by all accounts, her posters are all over Westmeath. The Minister should investigate the matter as it may be against the litter laws.

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