Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Given the Government's commitment in the programme for Government to equity of access, I am asking the Taoiseach what further steps the Government will take to have this matter addressed.

Another element in the programme for Government referred to by Deputy Gilmore was the independent electoral commission. Among the tasks outlined in the programme for Government is to make recommendations on the feasibility of extending the franchise in presidential elections to the Irish abroad. I raised this issue with the Taoiseach on 13 October and he said there was no demand for it and that the case for it had not been put. However, it is in the programme for Government. The case has certainly been put. Last Thursday evening in London, I attended and addressed a meeting of representatives of a variety of social, cultural and other organisations from across the Irish community in London. There is a very strong demand for this issue to be addressed.

This is not a party politically divisive proposition. The extension of voting rights in presidential elections to the diaspora is something to which we can all sign up. Is it not within the Government's gift-----

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