Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I support fully everything Senator Bradford said about the sugar beet industry and look forward to the Leader's response in the matter. On the so-called issue of on-the-runs, of which we have heard much recently, will the Leader enlighten the House as to the Government's rationale — I accept there is an agreement on the matter — behind its decision to grant a presidential pardon rather than allowing these people to be freed on licence?

The surplus to requirements voting machines were raised in the other House yesterday. They cost approximately €60 million to store. While the Minister appeared to indicate to the contrary, I understood the commission found that they did not meet the requirements in regard to accountability and the standards required by the voting public. I would like the Leader to reply to the matter.