Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Senator also mentioned the lack of polling stations and e-voting. He wants a debate on the electoral register, as do we all.

Senator O'Toole mentioned the Abattoirs Bill, which we recall, and the new EU directive which will work against small butchers and leave them open to too much competition with butchers over the Border. Generally speaking it imposes more onerous regulations on small butchers who find it difficult enough to manage.

The Senator also raised the question of St. Michael's national school in Inchicore and the fine land around it which will be sold for development. This does not harmonise with the purpose of the school, namely, helping disadvantaged young people. The Minister for Education and Science is emphatic about seeking to retain a school there.

Senator Minihan said we want a debate on the electoral register. Senator Finucane spoke about the non-franking of ballot papers because it is upsetting to be gathered around the table for a count and hear votes deemed invalid simply because they have missed the franking machine. The Senator knows more than anyone how upsetting that is, having lost out by such a small margin in the last election. I do not understand why this happens. Every paper given to a voter should be franked.

Senator Finucane also referred to Eircom, Babcock & Brown and the unbundling of the local loop. That was covered by an EU directive approximately eight years ago which has not yet been implemented. I do not understand why. Eircom will not do it for proprietorial purposes.

Senator Glynn said it should be mandatory for a person to be registered and to vote. I note the edict from Mullingar to defer the general election. There is an edict from Athlone which says "No" to that.