John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

The report is over 350 pages long and is worthy of debate in the House. Everybody will have to sign up for it eventually, if it is to be generally accepted in the country. That is self evident. The methodology used to do that can be argued over but it is up to the parties to discuss the way forward on the matter. The report states that "when compared with paper voting, electronic voting methods in general can deliver enhanced levels of accuracy and similar levels of secrecy and that this potential also exists in the particular case of the chosen system". There is enough evidence, albeit some of it anecdotal, from the past as to the abuses that took place with the paper voting system to suggest it is not a perfect system either. I compliment the Clerk of the Seanad, through the Cathaoirleach, on her work on this matter. The report runs to more than 350 pages and in that context it should be debated fully and not just treated to a few sound-bites. Senator Ryan's point can be used in support of the electronic voting system. If we are world leaders in the development of software, surely we can develop a system that will be suitable for our needs.