Michael Brennan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the legislation and compliment the Minister of State on his address and his statement on electronic voting yesterday, an issue which has been raised in this debate. He answered many of the questions raised by Senators yesterday. In welcoming the legislation, I pay tribute to the MEPs who have served the country well during the current term of the European Parliament. It is important that as Members of the Oireachtas we do everything in our power to get people out to vote in the next European elections, which will have implications for the country.

I welcome the registration of voters and the decision to allow non-nationals to vote in local and European elections. Much has been said about the dual mandate. Will the Minister of State clarify whether people have a right to stand in all elections, whether local, national or European? Do the same eligibility criteria apply across member states? Are members of local authorities eligible to stand for election either as a Member of the European Parliament or as a substitute? If so, would a member of a local authority elected to the European Parliament be allowed to occupy both positions for five years? The prohibition on Members of the Oireachtas standing for election to local authorities raises doubts about whether one has an equal right to stand for election. Are some people more equal than others in that it is possible for members of local authorities to stand for election to the European Parliament but not possible for Members of the Oireachtas to stand for election to local authorities? I welcome the introduction of electronic voting for the forthcoming elections and wish it every success.