Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Overall, and despite several advantages, it is not clear that more people would have an opportunity to vote if elections and referendums were held at weekends. That is one argument. Equally, there is a counter argument. The day of the week to be appointed for the taking of a poll is a matter for decision on each occasion. It would be retrograde to remove the legislative flexibility available at the moment. I do not believe the Deputy has made a strong case and it is an important matter. In choosing a day for the forthcoming general election, the House can be assured that all relevant factors will be taken into account. The hours of polling are also relevant. Again, this is particularly relevant in the context of the point made by Deputy O'Dowd. Electoral law in Ireland requires that the duration of the poll must be not less than 12 hours between 7 a.m. and 10.30 p.m. We amended the law to extend the potential opening time back to 7 a.m. from 8 a.m., which is consistent with modern lifestyles and gives people, in effect 15.5 hours for polling.

I urge everyone who is eligible to take the opportunity to vote. I agree with Deputy Connaughton on that. It is important that people take the opportunity to vote. If Members choose to put forward a private Members' Bill on such an important issue as voting, the very minimum they could do is get the dates of the elections right. To suggest that the difference between 1999 and 2004 could be accounted for by the fact that one was held on a Thursday while the other was on a Friday — when they were, in fact, both held on Fridays — illustrates——

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