James Bannon (Fine Gael)

It is important we protect public confidence in our voting system. The amendment seeks a viable paper trail which could be used to check the accuracy of the machines. I pointed out to the House examples of anomalies in two constituencies in the 2002 general election. In one example, there were more votes in a box than votes cast and, in another, there were less. This needs to be reconsidered. Senator Terry was concerned with the electronic voting results of the 2002 general election. While the Minister referred to possible challenges to vote results, the figures were not available to make a case within a 14 day period.

Senators Finucane and Kitt referred to the random nature of the manual system. However, we intend to adopt an electronic system which will bring with it some of the flaws of the manual system. One of the greatest advantages of the electronic system is that it will be able to count the votes as they are cast. However, there will be irregularities, as the Minister of State has admitted.

It is important an audit trail or record of votes cast exists. Back-up evidence would be needed if a court challenge to an election result resulted and it is important for democracy that we have such evidence. The entire Opposition, not just Fine Gael, has called for a verifiable paper trail and the public would feel more confident if one were introduced. Senator McCarthy gave the example of the printout received when one carries out a transaction at an ATM machine.