James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 13:

In page 7, subsection (1), line 10, after "counting votes" to insert "in a non-random way".

The random nature of the manual system of counting votes is one of its drawbacks. The problem was referred to by Senator Brady when speaking to the last amendment. It is difficult to understand why, in adopting a system of electronic voting, the Minister has sought to transfer flaws from the manual system. Among the great advantages of an electronic voting system is that it is capable of counting all votes in the way they were cast. Hopefully, the electronic system we introduce will be fully transparent and unflawed. Amendment No. 13 proposes that any voting system adopted must count votes in a non-random manner to accurately reflect the true intent of voters. Given the importance of such a provision to instilling greater confidence in our democratic system, perhaps the Minister will consider accepting amendments Nos. 13 and 25.