James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I also wish to thank the Minister and his officials for bringing the Bill before us. It is important that it be enacted as soon as possible. We all look forward to the general election and this Bill, when enacted, will ensure that as many eligible voters as possible are on the electoral register. Hopefully, the Minister will take on board my comments, especially the proposal that any member of the Garda Síochána can sign a form to ensure that a person can be included on the supplementary register. This matter needs to be examined because currently it may be difficult, particularly for those in remote rural areas, to access a garda. If a person is properly identified to a member of the Garda Síochána, however, they should be facilitated in adding their name to the supplementary register. The Minister should ensure that will happen.

I again thank the Minister and his officials for bringing the Bill before the House. I wish him well.