Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I am a fan of electronic voting but I want to ensure that it enjoys public confidence when it is introduced. While I accept that my amendment is not strictly necessary on this occasion, it would be healthy and good for democracy if it were accepted. I was, therefore, disappointed with the Minister of State's comment that he did not consider it likely that any Government would insist on using a voting system with which the commission was dissatisfied. While I accept it is not likely that this Government would do so, it would be much healthier from the point of view of democracy to stitch the requirement in the amendment into legislation to ensure no other Government could act in such a manner. This is a much better approach and I urge the Minister of State to reconsider.