Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

We had this discussion on the use of the PPS number on Second Stage. Given there are 5 million PPS numbers but 3 million people on the register, who will collate the information? The comparison with Northern Ireland does not stand up, given they started from scratch there. The Senator knows the problems and issues we have had with regard to the changes we are trying to make to the register at present. He can imagine the furore that would result if we suggested we should scrap the current register and start from scratch.

A certain amount of personal responsibility arises in this regard. God be with the days when we are at school and were taught civics. One of the first things we were taught was that when a person reached 18, he or she would register to vote. Unfortunately, over the years that practice has dwindled but there is still a responsibility in this regard. The present debate has shown that people are interested in registration and have a concern whether they are registered. If anything good has come from this debate, it is that it has highlighted the effect of not being on the register. The information coming from the Department is clear. It included the campaign to "have your say", which explained that people are not in a position to complain if they are not registered and do not vote in elections. As public representatives, that is an issue of which we all have experience.

A substantial number of foreigners have come to Ireland for employment and so on. Many of those are from other EU countries and will eventually be able to vote in local elections, which will give them an opportunity to have their say. It will be found that many of them take that opportunity, a point we, as Irish people, will have to consider. The amendments do not help the situation. The Bill is framed correctly at present.