Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Deputy Ó Cuív's Bill which will ensure all islanders will be allowed to vote on the same day as the rest of the country. I am very pleased to see there is a political interest in island communities and the issues that matter to their residents. The islands are very important to the country in terms of their beauty, tourism, culture, arts, heritage and natural resources. I hope tonight's debate will spark increased interest in the islands and the needs of their communities, such as the need for high speed broadband, improvements to education, a ring-fenced annual infrastructural fund, and a unified health care strategy.

Although the Bill does not affect the islands in my constituency, as Bere Island, Cape Clear island, Dursey Island, Heir island, Whiddy Island, Long Island and Sherkin island already vote on the same day as the mainland, the Bill is very important for the islands on the west and north-west coast. Voters living on those islands in Galway, Mayo, and Donegal traditionally voted two or three days before polling day, but in 2014 the gap was narrowed when they voted just one day beforehand. I fully support the gap being closed altogether and allowing the islanders to vote on the same day as the rest of the country. While the goal of early voting is usually to increase voter participation and relieve congestion at polling stations on election day, the opposite seems to be the case with island communities. The early voting legislation is outdated and no longer applicable. Early voting for island communities can deprive those who are not ordinarily resident on the islands, such as students, the opportunity to vote. It is very difficult for young people from the islands studying on the mainland to return home on a Thursday to vote, and often that results in them not voting. This outdated legislation could be seen as discriminatory and could also be considered as damaging to the democratic process. Issues concerning travel and transport of the votes are no longer applicable as most islands have brilliant ferry services and some also have air services. It is important that the Government supports the ferry and air services not just for elections but throughout the year as they provide a priceless service to islanders and help to keep islands sustainable.

I have seen excellent work throughout many of the islands in west Cork, for example, in Cape Clear and on Dursey Island where they fight to keep their cable car and to get it upgraded. Housing is also an issue on the islands. I attended a meeting recently on Bere Island where people spoke about the need for a housing programme. We never think of the islands when we talk about housing. We think of relocating people to the mainland. Those are serious issues for islanders and I support the positive move behind the Bill. Islanders throughout the country will be happy with it. I support the Bill progressing through the House.

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