Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

As already indicated on Second and Committee Stages in the Dáil, the Government intends reviewing the count rules following the June polls having regard to the calculation and distribution of surpluses. Senator Finucane has taken us through operations in that regard in terms of how a different result can be obtained if surpluses are distributed in a different manner. He is quite right in saying this is not an exact science. The Government is anxious to ensure it will become an exact science thereby eliminating the random factor.

The review, referred to earlier, will also cover any other areas linked to some arbitrary and random elements of the count. Senator Bannon will have another opportunity to reiterate his views when legislation to amend the count rule comes before the House. In the circumstances, I am unable to accept the amendment. However, there is general agreement that we must ensure the system is exact. A change in the count rules will be one of the advantages of electronic voting. As I stated earlier, Members will have an opportunity to discuss legislation on the count rules when it comes before the House and I am optimistic the electronic voting system in place for the next election will be more exact.