The Taoiseach says he is against changing the electoral system for the next European elections in five years’ time.
The final seats for the European Parliament were filled in the early hours of this morning almost a full week since voters went to the polls.
There has been criticism elsewhere in Europe this week about how long the Irish system has taken, with The Brussels Times noting "just one Member State still uncounted" as projections and results rolled in.
Speaking at the count centre in Castlebar last night, Simon Harris said that, despite the marathon counts, he believes the Irish electoral system is transparent and should not change.
"Here in this country, we value our electoral system and we value the peann luaidhe and the ballot paper," he said.
"It does take a little bit longer; I'm sure there's times where lots of people here - including the count staff, journalists and definitely candidates - wished it didn't take quite so long.
"I can fully understand that but... every single vote in Ireland can be seen so transparently moving from table to table, count to count.
"There is a lot to be said for that".
Four TDs – Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen, Labour's Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Sinn Féin's Kathleen Funchion and Independent Michael McNamara - all won seats at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The election of the sitting TDs means by-elections must happen within the next six months in Laois-Offaly, Dublin Bay North, Carlow-Kilkenny and Clare.
The Taoiseach said while he's undecided on timing for the by-elections he doesn't fear going to the polls.
"We'll decide when to have the by-elections in due course, I haven't had an opportunity to assess that yet and to talk to the other party leaders in our coalition," he said.
"I certainly don't fear by-elections but this Government will continue its work.
"We've already been back at work obviously this week, working on a number of big issues".
He added that his view on the timing of the general election "hasn't changed".
