Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I experienced frustration in the four years that I was a Member of the Seanad. Those who have been Members of this House for much longer than four years will agree that the frustration of Senators predates the election of the current Government. In 1979, the people decided in a referendum to extend the university franchise. Why has this decision not been implemented? I am pleased to note that I am part of a Government that will introduce legislation in 2015 to extend the university franchise to all graduates. While this step may be too little too late, Senators must acknowledge that it constitutes progress. The new working group presents another opportunity for all of us to contribute to the wider debate by making submissions to assist its deliberations.
I propose to respond to a number of queries raised by Senators, specifically Senator Paschal Mooney's question on the issue of passport holders. The point I tried to make was that the Bill, if enacted in its current form, would place voters overseas at a disadvantage by requiring them to have a passport, whereas people in this country would not be required to have a passport. The proposal would create an element of discrimination. We cannot impose a charge on a person by virtue of having a vote on the basis that he or she must have a passport.
I accept the Senator's point on presidential elections and the views and recommendations of the Constitutional Convention. The Government's response to the recommendations of the convention's report is being prepared in the Department and we will address them in detail in that response. The Bill, if enacted, would create an element of discrimination against voters outside the State vis-à-visvoters in the State.