Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I have indicated on a number of occasions that the question of publication of the source code will be examined later in the year having regard to the security and secrecy of the ballot. As intended, my Department will examine the count rules in the context of electronic voting and counting to provide that all the votes of elected candidates are examined in the calculation and distribution of votes. As I informed Senator Quinn, any changes in the count rules would require fresh legislation which would provide the House with an opportunity to revisit the matter. In the circumstances, it is not necessary to include the requirement provided for in the amendment at this time. We will consider the issue at a later date.