Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The convention voted on the issue. It had a very good discussion on the topic before reaching a conclusion.

The important point is that it is critical to prepare in advance. Senator McDowell spoke about fidelity and loyalty to the State and the right to vote. How is it proposed to allow the 700,000 people who acquired an Irish passport this year, whoever they may be, the right to vote if they live outside the State? How does one change this? If a person registers to vote and does not vote for a certain period, should the franchise be removed from him or her after a number of years? Ultimately, this matter will be decided in a referendum. As the Senator knows from his time as a Minister and the successful campaign he waged on the retention of the Seanad-----