Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am saying that, until now, to get on the supplementary register, one had to register at a Garda station. I presume we will pass this motion unanimously. There was a danger and a problem that law-abiding citizens who wanted to be on the register were deterred by having to go to a Garda station to be identified by a garda who would confirm their registration. It made some people nervous because, believe it or not, some people are nervous about going to a Garda station. Many of us do not do so regularly and it is the last thing people want to do. I thought the requirement to attend at a Garda station was over the top for something as legitimate as registering to vote. I commend the Minister on his intelligence in bringing this proposal to the House.

The regulation makes reference to areas where the authority has in place electronic means to identify the person. I hope all local authorities have such a system in place because otherwise it would be self-defeating.I would like the Leader to get an opportunity to read or clarify it. The explanatory note is very clear and I would like the Leader to agree with me that this is his reading of the document.