Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the Minister of State has exceptional knowledge of what happened in some locations in the 1950s and 1960s, which is before I was born. I refer to the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1992, which means that by 15 February we need to have a register in place. That register is important because it will mean that people can cast their votes in European, local and general elections. I do not know what will happen in due course. It is almost Christmas and local government will not meet again until early January so the timelines are tight. People in these townlands do now know which electoral division they are in. They do not know whether they are in the city or county. What efforts can be made now to assure such people they can exercise their right to vote and that they will be able to turn up and cast their votes? Will the Minister of State put resources in place? Will he extend the deadline? Will he have a helpline? How can we ensure that members of the public will be able to vote, regardless of whether they are in the city or county? It is a very important part of the issue. I did not draw the line and neither did the Minister of State or his officials. It was drawn where it was drawn and we need to deal with it. I need to find a solution for the people of Cork. The Leader is right. It is about the people of Cork having services. It is about the people of Cork being able to exercise their votes on the day of elections. We need clarity and I want the Minister of State to provide it now.