Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

For a long time, I have made an argument concerning prisoners in this regard. Through visits, I have first-hand experience of Mountjoy Prison. According to a number of people, including the prison's visiting committee, voting has always been an issue. While it is not always an issue for the prisoners, it may be for their families.

Many studies and surveys reveal that the majority of prisoners in Mountjoy Prison come from a small number of postal districts in Dublin city that are particularly disadvantaged. The thrust of a speech given by the governor, Mr. John Lonergan, was that prisoners lose their freedom when they go to Mountjoy Prison, but they do not need to be punished further. The Bill's changes in respect of prisoners are to be welcomed. In many cases, prisoners do not have an issue with whether they vote, but their parents do. Opportunities to register by post or at home addresses would provide additional support to prisoners. Their freedom has been taken away, which is as it should be, but nothing should be done to make the prison system more difficult than it is. Prison authorities have always supported this issue, that is, prisoners should have the opportunity to vote.

I welcome the changes to section 11 and the improved accessibility to voting in European elections afforded to citizens of EU member states. Some Italian friends of mine visit Ireland regularly and can vote in their national elections using Italy's system. Given that, according to surveys, Ireland is the best country to live in, we are one of the better destinations, but we must make Ireland more attractive.

The Bill is a small, but important change. Despite statements on the electoral register, the changes will help to improve our situation because it will make the next and subsequent general elections easier. The best result of the debate is that people are discussing the register, registering to vote and using their votes.