Mr. Joe O'Brien:

I will try to address some of the issues raised. On the costs involved, there would probably be a higher up-front cost because much of this could be done automatically by people who could register themselves online and that would mean that somebody in the Department would not have to do that work. It could be easily done through the use of various types of software.

Both Deputies raised the issue of engaging with people who are on the more vulnerable side. This is the reason we specifically mentioned that Irish NGOs abroad need to be engaged in the process as well and we need to get the involvement of the people working there and to ensure that they would be aware of it to some degree.

Deputy Smith mentioned getting a college to do some of the initial work and we would not be averse to that idea. It is very important that the message that goes out from the register is from the State and that it is a direct message from the State. That is what people find is missing and what they are still feeling a little bit burned about, which is a point Deputy Crowe mentioned. This register will not solve people's dissatisfaction with their situation but it is the start of a long-term process in making the relationship a better one.

On the habitual residence condition, we lobbied and pushed for change on that issue, probably in this committee room, several years ago and things have improved since then. Now there is specific mention of returning emigrants in the habitual residence guidelines. If an emigrant is clearly returning home, he or she should not be refused based on the habitual residence condition. We still deal with cases like that and if the members come across cases like that where there is a difficulty they should feel free to contact us and we can advise them on what generally works and what does not.

The connection with this register with respect to the possible extension of voting rights to emigrants was raised. We would be at pains to separate the two to some extent because we are aware that while there are moves to extend voting rights to emigrants, it is progressing slowly, but we believe this register could be put in place and up and running within a few months if there was the will to do it. It could be used to inform people of developments and get their input on how extending voting rights to emigrants should be developed and, as an information tool, it could and should be used in that respect. I am not sure if there any other point I have not addressed.