Ms Jennie McShannon:

If it was decided that those living in Australia but born here could vote while those who were not could have a passport and be a citizen without a right to vote, this would mean a change to the notion of citizenship as it stands in Ireland. It would mean a significant change and rethink. If one were then to state there were further degrees of citizenship, it would create real rot.

I am not mandated with regard to Northern Ireland because we are engaged with the Irish in Britain so I will not comment on this matter. If citizens had to register every year, we have already stated we believe it would be important that people here would follow a similar reregistration process. It is a way to get people engaged and involved. We encouraged people to vote and make their vote count in the British elections, but the first step was to ensure they registered in time for the elections. This started people thinking about the next step after registration. Registering is a way to get people involved and interested and we do not believe it should be any different here if people abroad have to register annually.