John Kelly (Labour)

Since my election, I have been amazed to listen to Senator Cullinane complaining about not having speaking time. He is taking over the Seanad today.

This Bill is a necessary first step, as was pointed out. I tabled my amendment purely for the purpose of debate. Debate is required. Perhaps today is not the best day to convince the House of my argument because fewer than 10% of Senators are present to discuss it. I am interested in how the debate proceeds. I hope the electoral commission will report favourably on this issue. I will withdraw amendment No. 5.

I did not get a chance to respond on some of the issues raised regarding the Bill. I will be brief in doing so. Electoral registers were very much up to date when the rate collectors were in charge. When they were removed from the equation and responsibility was handed to county councils, a nonsensical regime was put in place that made it very difficult for people to know they were on the electoral register and when they were removed therefrom.