Will the working party be prepared to receive submissions from public representatives, from local authorities, from associations for disabled persons and from trade unions whose members by virtue of their employment are unable to vote? How long is the working party likely to sit and will the Minister bring to their attention the absolute need to prevent serious electoral abuse in relation to postal voting?

I am very anxious that the working party should report as quickly as possible. I gave them a time-scale of about three months. We all know the deficiencies in the registers in all constituencies and we need a speedy report followed by action. The working party will accept submissions from public representatives and the other groups mentioned by Deputy Desmond. My only worry is that the preparation of submissions might delay the report and the action which must follow.

In relation to persons not finding themselves on the register although they are entitled to be, will the Minister ask the working party to consider introducing a procedure whereby they could apply to the courts or some authority to obtain their vote? Will he ensure that this suggestion, included in Question No. 19, is also included in the terms of reference of the working party?

I have asked the working party to take a very broad view of the whole area. I feel it is a nonsense in this age of technology to prepare a register in the autumn which does not come into force until the following April and which stays unchanged for twelve months. The first term of reference concerns the registration process and that includes everything, right across the board.

Will the Minister circulate the terms of reference?

They have been publicised. I can make arrangements for them to go to every Deputy.