Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Whatever excuse local authorities make this year, they cannot say they are broke because they have received handsome increases. The issue is not resources but whether people are enthusiastic and willing to introduce new technology to do the job they should be doing. If a business was faced with the task of updating the register, it would not use the system operated by local authorities. I do not wish to be down on local authorities. However, a number of them take this job seriously and do it well whereas others do not take it seriously and do an appalling job.

The variation in the register is not explicable in terms of a lack of funding or personnel, given the increased funding that has been provided. It is a matter of will, not means. Up to a few years ago local authorities were allocated a specific grant for voter registration and they could be questioned on spending in this area. Subsequently, the political consensus was that the hands of local authorities should not be tied regarding every penny allocated to them and they have been allocated a more general grant since. It is clear local authorities apply different levels of resources to this issue and I am not prepared to allow this scandal to continue. I am grateful for the amendments.