Mr. Barry Ryan:

The Senator asked what percentage of people are eligible to vote. There is no definitive percentage of people who should be registered. The register is what it is. Sometimes comparisons are made between the register and census figures. This always comes with a health warning in that they are two different processes. The census takes place every five years whereas the register is compiled on an annual basis. The census is also a snapshot of a particular night in question. That said, local authorities, in compiling the register, could refer to the census figures at electoral division level.

Figures could be compared to see if there are any large discrepancies or, indeed, a question of over-registration in a particular electoral division that needs to be addressed. While there is not a specific percentage, the best comparison is with the census but that does come with a health warning. On the Seanad reform group, we have just recently received the hard copy of the report so we have not given it any great analysis. We received it last week, along with the draft Bill that accompanies the report, and we will consider it.

Turning to attempts to encourage people to vote, Ms Quinn touched on young people as did Senator Grace O'Sullivan. I have a 19 year old at home and some of us have experience of giving young people encouragement to go on the register. We run an information campaign every autumn, in November, when the draft register is being compiled. We encourage people to check the draft register and make sure they are included. Information leaflets are another useful aspect, particularly as we approach local elections. They are distributed to local authorities and published on our website. One of those leaflets focuses on the process of registration. We publish the leaflets in 17 different languages.

Alongside that, we have been working with the Immigrant Council of Ireland which has recently published a series of videos, in a number of different languages, encouraging people to register to vote as we get closer to the local elections. We are carrying out initiatives. The Senator also mentioned social media. We are active on Twitter and tweet frequently on the modernisation of the register project.