Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

The Minister has no difficulty with humility. I am sure he is well able to take it.

On 18 December last, the joint committee responsible for this matter met and a total of 42 questions were put to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. To date, none of those questions has been answered by the Minister or his officials. It is very important that a free and fair voting procedure which we all respect is supported by all parties. I further point out to the Leader that in the United States of America following the fiasco of Florida in the last presidential election, all new voting machines must give a receipt to each voter. The paper trail, therefore, can be followed.

Many questions must be answered in this regard. It is important that the public and all parties in both Houses give it full support but that support cannot currently be given because the remaining questions have not been answered.