Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Nothing concentrates the minds of voters and candidates like the electoral register. It is appropriate that we have a debate now rather than when the election is under way and people are busy canvassing. The census, held on 23 April, is the best possible record of every voter in Ireland.

In the past, when finance officers collected the rates, they were also the best people for collecting names as well. However, that day is gone. I am not sure about the confidentiality issue. Commitments were given that the census would be confidential but surely the names, addresses and location could be used.

The Minister should also outline the regulations for the register of electors with regard to prisoners. Mountjoy Prison has a high prison population which could affect the outcome of the election in Dublin if all the prisoners voted in the Dublin Central constituency. That is also true of Roscommon, which is the location of Castlerea Prison. It is important the Minister outlines what rules will apply to prisoners, who have a constitutional right to cast their vote by post, and whether they should cast their vote in the location where they are resident or in their home constituency where they were resident before being imprisoned. We should have a debate on this as soon as possible.