James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 4, subsection (1), lines 27 to 31, to delete paragraph (b) and substitute the following:

"(b) the application shall be—

(i) signed by the applicant, or

(ii) if the applicant is unable to write, he or she shall place his or her mark on the application form, or

(iii) if the applicant is unable to place his or her mark on the application form, it shall be signed by a person designated for that purpose by the applicant,

and, in any case, the form shall be completed in accordance with the instructions provided thereon;".

This is a technical amendment which allows for someone who cannot write to get on the electoral register. It proposes on page 4, subsection (1), lines 27 to 31, to delete paragraph (b) and substitute the following:

(b) the application shall be — signed by the applicant, or if the applicant is unable to write, he or she shall place his or her mark on the application form, or if the applicant is unable to place his or her mark on the application form, it shall be signed by a person designated for that purpose by the applicant, and, in any case, the form shall be completed in accordance with the instructions provided thereon.

Perhaps a peace commissioner or somebody else could sign. There are only a few people who cannot sign or make their mark, but this amendment should be accepted to provide for them.