Ms Fiona Quinn:

I thank the Senator and Vice Chairman. I will ask my colleague, Ms Ní Fhlanghaile, to discuss some of the issues raised. In respect of the timeline, the Government decided to accept the recommendation on 7 March 2017 and has said it will hold a referendum on this issue. Since then, we have published a very detailed options paper, which was the result of quite a lot of research and analysis, as members can imagine. I welcome the earlier comments about the usefulness of that paper. As several members have observed, it is a complex issue. There is a range of options available to us. It is important to get it right, specifically in respect of the practical methods. When deciding on the question that ultimately will be put to them, the people will expect us to provide them with some information on the practical implications of what it will mean. We are dedicating a lot of time to listening to people's views. This morning's session was very useful in that respect.

In response to the Senator's question about the timeframe for the consultation, we have not set one. It is an options paper and consultation will continue throughout the process. This is one step and certain decisions will have to be taken at this point. The paper will continue to be used for further consultation as the matter progresses. It is not a question of making a decision now and moving on from it. In respect of the timing of the whole issue, as the Government agrees, the register of electors needs to be modernised. We have been tasked with progressing that issue in parallel with the wider question. The committee will know better than us that the modernisation of the register of electors has been discussed for many years. It is important that we are all able to stand over the integrity and security of that register at national level and, if the people so decide in a referendum, in respect of those outside the State. As for the timeframe we envisage, that project in itself is very significant and there is no room for error. It would be very negative if it was rushed and something happened that called the whole project into question. We will be identifying the risks and trying to minimise and mitigate against them. For that reason, it is going to take a number of years.

Our preference and recommendation is that we move to an online registration process. That would seem to be the most sensible approach in terms of being workable for people outside the State. We have looked at what other countries have done. A paper-based registration process would be very cumbersome both from an administrative perspective and in practical terms for those who are trying to use it. It would be very difficult to see how it would work.