Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Within the electoral commission and with the enhancement that has been identified in the software development, we should get on with it. It is not satisfactory as we go into the next decade that we are not using technology for electoral systems. We are using an old system that might be enjoyable, but it is a way of the past. As a country, we should be very proud of what we have achieved. We are a service country — 4% of the entire world's global services originate in this country. This is a huge achievement for the Irish economy. In our best areas — pharmaceutical, medical and information and communication technology — we should be seen to lead.

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