Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that at the conclusion of the Order of Business statements on the interim report of the Commission on Electronic Voting will take place for a period of two hours. I want the Leader to inform the House whether it is still the Government's intention to push ahead this Friday with the Electoral (Amendment) Bill which would give effect to e-voting, given the Commission on Electronic Voting ruled so overwhelmingly against the Government's plans last week. It would be an act of ridiculous proportions if the Government were to push ahead with this Bill next Friday. I ask the Leader to make a very firm statement in the House today as to her intentions to bring the Bill before the House on Friday.

The commission has done an excellent job in venting public and Opposition frustrations on this issue so far. I heard the Taoiseach state over the weekend that when the commission can give full support to e-voting we will proceed. The Government needs to convince the Opposition and the public at large of the merits of this proposal. Will the Leader not agree that the only person who should be charged with fraud is the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for shamelessly wasting €52 million? This is the same week——