Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, raised the matter of electronic voting. While he agreed the commission members were people of probity, he said they were being put in an invidious position. However, it is because they are well divorced from political affiliations that we should have trust and confidence in their capabilities. The Taoiseach said yesterday the relevant legislation will be brought in as soon as possible. I am sure the commission will do its duty in a fine manner.

I thank the Senator for his correspondence regarding the Commissions of Investigation Bill. I was about to reply to him when I heard the Bill was to be brought to the Dáil immediately. I will respond to the Senator on whether the issue of clerical sex abuse in the Dublin diocese is to be the first item dealt with under the new legislation.

Senator O'Toole regretted the make-up of the commission on electronic voting. In regard to the auctioneering review, I hope it will begin this week. While I accept that we have had one bad experience in this regard, in general, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has great time for this House. The Minister spent over three hours in the House yesterday with a full complement of officials, and we had a very good debate.

Senator Ryan mentioned the queries raised by those involved at the top level of the computer industry and said the Government is obdurate. The situation is the opposite. The Government moved on this issue when the Opposition expressed concerns, so the Opposition can take the credit for that.

I was asked if I thought €100 million was a big or small sum. It is a fine amount — a thump of money.