Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leader for that information.

I commend all those who stood in the local and European elections last week and those who were elected and commiserate with those who were not successful. It is important that people of all ages, from all backgrounds, all parties and none participate in the democratic process. In particular, I wish our colleagues from all groups in this House who are still waiting for seats to be filled in the European Parliament every success. As an Oireachtas we must have a serious think about the establishment of a permanent electoral commission. That we are the last country in Europe that is still counting votes and trying to fill seats in the European Parliament, which is a very important parliament, shows the system is not fit for purpose. Far be it from me to speak about electronic voting - I am not going there-----