Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes raised the matter of electronic voting and asked when the relevant legislation would come before the House. The heads of a Bill to address the issue are being drafted, after which they will be presented to Cabinet and the legislation published. As the Cathaoirleach wisely noted, all the matters raised by Senators can be aired when the legislation comes before the House. The Seanad led the field on this issue by holding a debate on electronic voting before it became contentious. It was a healthy debate in which everybody participated. I note Senator Brian Hayes cited Article 27 of the Constitution. While it is a matter for the Opposition to choose the method by which it brings clarity and objectivity to the issue, we will await developments.

Senator O'Toole called for clarity on electronic voting and asked a question about a development, of which I was not aware, regarding the grand marshal of the Cork St. Patrick's Day parade.