asked the Minister for Local Government if postal votes will be made available to all members of the community in the next general election.

The question of providing extended postal voting facilities at national elections is at present under consideration.

When will the Minister have the result of this examination?

It is fairly well advanced.

There is no hurry, anyway.

There is a hurry in view of the time it may take to get the legislation through the House. I should like to have this matter before the House soon and I hope I will have it after the Easter Recess.

Is it the Minister's intention to be here after the Easter Recess?

And after next year's Easter Recess.

On which side of the House?

On looking across at the Opposition side I cannot see anybody that could come over here.

Will the Minister ensure that this will not be open to abuse as happened previously?

That is the reason for the delay. I am attempting to stop all the loopholes which were in the last legislation. As far as it is possible to have those things closed up I will do so. I hope to have it fairly foolproof when it comes out.

May I take it from what the Minister has said that it is his intention to have postal voting at the next general election?

I have already said that on four occasions in the House.

How about a quick drive to the Park?

A quick drive to the Park would not do much good to Deputy Burke who might find himself at home looking for a job.