James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 10:

In page 7, subsection (1), between lines 3 and 4, to insert the following definition:

"'voter-verified paper record' has the meaning assigned to it in section 5;".

This amendment proposes to insert a definition of voter verified paper records, as demanded by the Opposition parties. The amendment is connected to my proposal under the new section 5 which would require the voting system to produce a voter verified paper record.

Amendment No. 11 also concerns verifiability and would ensure the definition of "voting machine" would include a requirement that the machines produce a paper copy of every vote cast. This facility will be necessary in the event that a result is called into question or a recount is called.

Amendment No. 12, which is related to amendment No. 11, is designed to ensure the definition of "voting machine" will require that the machines produce a voter verified paper record. The purpose of the amendments is to strengthen scrutiny of the electronic voting system and ensure the system is trustworthy and has the confidence of the public. It is important we act correctly in this regard.

Amendment No. 14 proposes to insert a new section on voter verified paper records. The availability of such records is fundamental to the integrity of any system of electronic voting and crucial in auditing and verifying the reliability and accuracy of electronic counts. The use of the electronic voting system caused a shock for certain candidates in one or two constituencies and the system needs to be tightened up.

Amendment No. 15 proposes a new section requiring the Commission on Electronic Voting to carry out random recounts of the voter verified paper records and to compare them with the results delivered by the voting machines. There is no better body than the independent commission to do that because it has done a wonderful job for the State. Regrettably, politicians did not listen. The former Taoiseach and leader of my party, Deputy John Bruton, pointed this out as far back as April 2002. If he had been heeded at the time, a great deal of taxpayer's money could have been saved and put to better uses in the interest of our citizens by various Departments. Regrettably, good advice was not taken on board and the amendments are intended to help in that regard. I hope the Minister of State will accept them and provide greater clarity.