Michael McCarthy (Labour)

The Minister of State's response to the amendment is disappointing. Given the level of confusion surrounding this debate and the general debasement visited upon the electoral system by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, it would be wise to consider the merits of the amendments, in particular amendment No. 4, a fine amendment tabled by Senator Quinn. It is vital that the integrity of the voting system is maintained as public confidence in the body politic is directly linked to the electoral system. It is incumbent on the Government to ensure that no further erosion of public confidence takes place as a result of this issue.

A number of issues have affected the body politic in recent years, of which the electronic voting system is one. The introduction of electronic voting began as a non-urgent public relations exercise and developed into the political hobby horse of a Minister who would be better occupied in other areas of his Department. The matter was not urgent and the people were not shouting from the roof tops that they wanted e-voting.

While we all support the spirit behind electronic voting, given the history of the issue and the shambles into which it has descended, it is vital that the Minister of State responds positively to these amendments. His response thus far has been disappointing.