Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My apologies for running late. There was the minor matter of sitting on the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media, where there may be one or two situations going on that clashed with this debate. I also held a briefing on CERN at lunchtime. As someone observed, speaking about black holes and explosive revelations does not just apply to CERN in Leinster House today.

I see Mr. Tomás Heneghan in the Public Gallery. I recognise his work in this area as well as the work of so many others who have campaigned strongly.

The amendments that have been tabled are worthy of debate. The Bill sets out the structure of a single six-seat constituency. Administratively, how it operates will be crucial. I am in favour of giving the Electoral Commission oversight of it, but we can discuss that later.

Regarding the paper-based point, it should be a case of people opting in. For example, if I want a ballot, I will say I am Malcolm Byrne and I am a graduate of UCD, and the ballot can be sent out to me. Unlike as has happened with many other elections, I do not believe we will suggest moving to electronic ballots.