Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State and his officials. This is very important legislation. We are all aware that the integrity and the independence of our elections are critically important to all of us. We all share that common goal and objective. I have always advocated for empowering local authorities, but this case is the exception. I am not supportive of the retention and the administration of the electoral register in local authorities. It has not worked and there are complexities. We know it is about integrity and independence. I believe it is best that the commission should take total responsibility for the administration and the running of the electoral register. It is independent of the local authorities and it is a good practice. If we are to empower this electoral commission to do it I would favour bringing it all centrally. This would benefit from the technology and the shared systems. The practice should be uniform right across the 31 local authorities.This is a difference of opinion from me. It is one thing I do not usually advocate, but I do not believe there is a role for the local authorities on this. It must be independent and above it. It must be remembered that many people are competing in local elections within local authorities. It would add another layer of confidence and independence to the system.

I commend the National Youth Council of Ireland's submission, which was exceptionally good. In all of this we are talking of encouraging younger people to engage in the political process. I call on the Minister of State to consider that. The National Youth Council of Ireland represents more than 50 organisations. I did not know this until I read its submission. I strongly recommend to the Minister of State, or whoever does the considering, that there would be a requirement to have a young person or a member of such a body as the National Youth Council of Ireland on the commission. They bring a new perspective, a freshness and new ideas. We should set out to ring-fence a position for youth organisations on the new commission.

I thank the Minister of State. I have no question per se. These were just two or three thoughts. I thank the Minister of State for pushing this and driving it and wish him well with it.