Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Senator asked for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House.

Senator Browne said that proportional representation should be explained to people and I agree with him. It is mystifying. While we all know where to put our first, second and third preferences, the system is quite complex and there are a great many spoiled votes. The Senator also requested a debate on the register of electors. Many people were removed from it which seems mischievous. I do not understand it. If one continues to live in the same house, how can one be removed from the register?

Senator Ulick Burke spoke about decentralisation. I will check the Official Report to determine what the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, said on both days. I do not think there was a dichotomy or argument between the two points he made. The Senator also asked about blue flag beaches. I presume they are independently assessed. I did not like to see Spiddal lose its flag. I think the assessment is carried out by an environmental grouping or agency.