Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

A Chathaoirligh, I know you have given us very clear guidelines. However, perhaps you will be somewhat tolerant and give me a minute to answer the point. I did not think I would have to take the opportunity to advise Senator Bannon on the different mixes. Voting electronically will differ somewhat from voting with the traditional ballot paper as that method depends on the mix and the particular bundle selected. There are no headless chickens as far as that matter is concerned. This is a fact that cannot be disputed. Senator Brady made reference to the Fine Gael suggestion of Internet voting. Is Senator Bannon saying that the ideal solution is to use the Internet, which can be hacked as opposed to a machine that has been developed and designed specifically for that purpose alone? I rest my case.

I am sorry if I have deviated. Sometimes it is difficult not to respond to some questions raised by Senators. In response to amendments Nos. 1 and 7, as I said on Committee Stage, the Parliamentary Counsel and the office of the Attorney General, who are the Government's advisers in the drafting of legislation have advised me that this amendment is unnecessary.