Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

This matter has been debated extensively but I have not heard any substantive reasons for the inclusion of this amendment, nor am I aware of any other country using such a facility. Whether the facility should be provided is the subject of debate. It is not a proven requirement nor is it a statutory requirement. There are arguments on both sides but the commission will consider the matter. We should await its further report.

While the commission said no other country was using the system, it should also be said that the only country using a paper trail is Brazil, which has now decided to discontinue its use. While we can always stand on our own feet, we must draw comparisons with our European neighbours in Germany, the Netherlands and Brest in France, and also in the UK, where pilot schemes have been carried out; a paper trail is not used in these countries. The Nedap system allows voters to verify their votes before casting them whereas the printing of a paper ballot raises constitutional and practical difficulties.

If the awareness and publicity campaign is continued and the workings of the machines are explained to the public, they will accept their accuracy, as evidenced by the 2002 general election. Senator Terry asked what could be done to uncover discrepancies. The legislation allows for a legal challenge within 14 days of a vote if there is a prima facie case, although the determination of this is a matter for the courts. If a court decided to investigate a case, there could be a printout of the votes.

I seriously believe corruption could result if there was a paper vote trail. For example, unscrupulous employers might want confirmation from employees as to who they voted for. Equally, if there were two systems, there might be two different results. A Senator clearly outlined how a seat could be lost by one vote and many Deputies are elected or defeated on the basis of a few votes. However, in practical terms, this is not an issue. We have placed our confidence in the commission and accepted its recommendations. It will consider this matter over a period and we should await the outcome of its deliberations.

Those concerned with the 2002 general election results in Meath, Dublin West or Dublin North can take solace from the fact that the commission clearly and unambiguously stated that the system accurately counted the votes. It should surprise no one that I am not prepared to accept the amendments.