Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The role of my Department is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system.

Under the Electoral Acts, local authorities, in their capacity as registration authorities, are responsible for the management and maintenance of the electoral register. It is the duty of each authority to ensure, as far as possible, and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and completeness of the Register and any issues need to be taken up with the relevant individual authority.

The Electoral Acts require that local authorities carry out a check of each application made in relation to the electoral register. Where a PPSN is provided, the information is checked against identity data held by the Department of Social Protection. Local authorities have, and have always had, the power to seek any information or supporting documentation they require in pursuit of their statutory functions in relation to electoral registration.

In relation to specific electoral events, under the Electoral Reform Act 2022, An Coimisiún Toghcháin may prepare a post electoral event review and publish a report on the administration of any electoral event. To support continuous improvements in the integrity of the electoral register, An Coimisiún Toghcháin has also been given an oversight role and local authorities are required to report annually on the work they are doing to ensure a complete and accurate register. Each year, the Commission will publish a report setting out any research it has carried out and its assessment of the status and functioning of the electoral register as well as any recommendations that the Commission considers necessary to maintain and enhance the integrity of the electoral register and the registration process.

Any report published or recommendations made by An Coimisiún Toghcháin will be considered in the context of future policy and legislative development.