Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I am sure everyone thought about the possibility of changing name by deed poll from time to time in order that they might appear further up the ballot paper. That is just not possible. I tried to have the returning officer in Connacht-Ulster accept my name as Cope Gallagher but he did not do so. I appreciated his decision because my name appears as Gallagher on my birth certificate. Even if a person changes his or her name at the last minute, all the returning officer has to do is look at the register of electors. Returning officers have discretion in respect of the changing of names and act responsibly at all times.

I would be happy, as Senator Brian Hayes suggested, to consider this matter. However, I do not believe that he expects me to give a commitment as to what we might do. The respective parties or others who are interested in this matter may wish to make a case to the franchise section of the Department, to me or to the Minister, Deputy Cullen, based on the contribution made by the Senator in respect of his amendment. Senator Hayes asked a fair question and although I will not give a commitment, I would be unreasonable if I did not indicate that I will look at the matter.

The Senator will appreciate that there are time constraints involved. Even if we were to consider the matter and commit ourselves to a review, we could not put it in place immediately. We have some primary legislation to introduce in respect of other matters and the staff of the franchise section already have a great deal of work on hand and are extremely busy at present.

This matter goes beyond one election. Perhaps we should all begin by putting our own houses in order. It may not be my job but I propose that Senator Bannon might take the initiative and make a suggestion for the next Seanad election. Perhaps we should start at that point with a new system.