Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

On the day after polling in the last local elections in my own area, 90% of polling cards remained in letterboxes. A study carried out some time ago revealed the average stay in an apartment to be two and a half years, meaning that in the time between general elections, at least two people could be registered to the same apartment. This is a major issue.

The Leader remembered the days in which a registered canvas could be done. In many cases, much money has been expended on security for these apartments and it is almost impossible for canvassers to get in. If they do get in, canvassers are asked to leave because the complex is private. This issue exists not only in major cities but in towns and villages around the country where apartment blocks are becoming prevalent.

Everybody has heard anecdotal reports of people being registered and polling cards being collected on polling day. It is very difficult for any political party to physically check genuine voters against potential fraudsters. The Minister and his Department have examined this for some time but whatever solution is put forward, the integrity of the register must be maintained.