Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

As I have indicated on a number of occasions, including yesterday, it is the intention to review the count rules, having regard to the calculation and distribution of votes. It affects only surpluses, not eliminations. The review will also cover other areas linked to some arbitrary and random elements of the count. It was made abundantly clear yesterday, particularly by a Member who may have been the victim of the type of random selection under which Senator Finucane and possibly others may have either won or lost seats by a few votes, that it depends on from where the bundle of votes comes. They may come from an area that is not politically advantageous. Sometimes people vote politically and follow through by voting parochially. If we are to resolve this issue, this is the time to do it.

While we all agree that the principle of electronic voting is more efficient, more user friendly and faster we want to ensure 100% accuracy and to eliminate the random elimination. In theory it is all important now but, in practical terms, it does not kick in this time because we are reverting to the traditional system. I give an assurance that further legislation on count rules will be introduced. We will then have an opportunity to discuss the issue and hopefully it will be used for the next general election. Even if we have electronic voting for a presidential election, it would not affect that in any way. As there would be only one seat there would be no difficulty; it would be all eliminations.

On my own behalf and on behalf of the Minister I assure the House this is an issue we are anxious to deal with and there is no conflict whatsoever between the various parties or the Independent Members.