Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is true. Finality is needed in this case because, as the Senator stated, the women in question are getting older and deserve answers. While I do not wish to give the Senator a short answer, perhaps, given the busy legislative programme in the weeks before Christmas, he will consider raising the issue as a Commencement matter. If not, we will try to have the matter discussed after Christmas. I cannot give a commitment to discuss it before Christmas, however, although I share the Senator's views on its importance.

To respond to Senator Warfield, in the previous Oireachtas a joint committee produced important work on the electoral register. As the Senator is aware, there are many difficulties with the register. It is important the State continues to invest in encouraging people to vote. I am aware the deadline for voter registration has passed. It was ironic that there was a great deal of activity at the weekend arising from the possibility that an election could be held. In Cork city and county, people go door to door to speak with people about the electoral register. Perhaps we need to use social media to attract people to vote. The issue can be debated.

On behalf of the Government, I will reluctantly oppose the amendment proposed to the Order of Business.