I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 124 and 125 together.
While the situation in regard to the submission by returning officers of accounts for the 1989 General Election has improved substantially since the Deputy's colleague asked his question regarding disabled voters, there is as yet insufficient data on which to base a reasonably accurate reply.
Returning officers are required to submit final accounts in respect of a General Election within 26 weeks of that election. As accounts outstanding in respect of the 1989 election are now well overdue I have asked my Department to ensure that they are submitted as a matter of urgency.
I would hope to have sufficiently comprehensive information to enable me to give definitive answers to the Deputy's questions within the reasonably near future. If the Deputy would care to resubmit the questions, or contact my Office in about two months, I would expect then to be in a position to give a definitive reply.