If I read THIS correctly they have a card that they insert (much like a hotel key) into the microphone to be able to enable the microphone ..... Is this right?
I think they're talking about THIS SYSTEM which members of the Scottish Assembly use to identify themselves so the cameras a mics know where they're sitting and make sure their votes are counted but only once.
From memory, they're pretty conventional conference-style mic (a smallish capsule on an extension tube) mounted on each desk.
All the card system does is let a single click on the member's name on a computer open the right mic (wherever he's sitting) and zoom the TV cameras in on the person speaking.