John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I agree with the Minister of State but I raise a small point regarding the clarity of the language in the instructions given to presiding officers and returning officers, which officials might bear in mind. At a polling station at a European Parliament election, I saw a lady arguing with the presiding officer. When she left I asked the presiding officer what was the problem and I was told that although the lady was on the register she could not vote because she was English. I assured him that not only could she vote but that she could stand for election for the European Parliament in Ireland. The presiding officer referred to the instruction book. Having read the book at least four times it eventually dawned on him that the lady was among the category of people who were not excluded from voting. The language of the instruction book would have led any reasonable person to make the same mistake as the presiding officer. We must ensure that the language in instructions to electoral officials is clear, precise and exact.