Incorrect polling cards
Micheál Martin raises thousands of incorrect or misdirected polling cards and seeks legislation establishing an independent electoral commission; the Taoiseach says eligible voters will not be denied a vote.
This morning the Taoiseach will have read that 35,000 Dublin voters were sent misleading information on the referendum and polling details were sent to the wrong addresses. A total of 28,000 polling cards were sent to wrong addresses and 9,000 people received polling cards advising them to go to the wrong station. There has been a long-standing view that an electoral commission should be established. Will the Taoiseach indicate when legislation to establish an independent electoral commission and the electoral (amendment) Bill will come to the House?
With regard to the wider issue of climate change, will the Taoiseach give the proposed time for the passage of the climate change Bill? Recently we had fairly damning evidence from international scientists on the UN panel which clearly indicates global warming is caused by humans and that there is a need to accelerate measures to ensure we deal with the issue. In this context, will the Taoiseach indicate when legislation to regulate the geothermal energy sector will be brought forward? It is a commitment in the programme for Government.
Comment on this
The first point raised by Deputy Martin is important. It should be remembered that the issue referred to this morning by Dublin City Council is important. We should all understand that whatever mistake was made, nobody who is entitled to vote will be denied a vote. As has always applied, a person whose name is on the register of electors is entitled to vote whether he or she receives a card or not, provided he or she produces identification at the polling station. It is very regrettable that this happened. The message we want to send out is that nobody will be denied a vote who is entitled to vote legitimately - that is, those on the register of electors - irrespective of the polling station. I hope there will be a significant turnout for the votes on Friday and that people will cast their judgment.
The climate action and low-carbon development Bill will be next year. I must come back to the Deputy on the geothermal sector.
With regard to a Bill in respect of the electoral commission, I do not have the detail on when it will be published and I must come back to the Deputy.