Mr. Barry Ryan:

At the heart of the proposals to modernise the electoral registration process is a desire to ensure there is a simplified, streamlined and more accessible registration system. There are a number of elements to this, of which I will mention three important ones. The first is the move towards continuous registration and away from that annualised process. This will involve implementing a sort of rolling register. The second is the provision of an online registration system, giving people the option to register online. That is important. The third element I will mention is the move to individual registration as opposed to the existing household registration system.

The electoral commission will have an important oversight role with regard to the register. While local authorities will still be responsible for preparing their own registers, they will have to report on their operations annually. The electoral commission will have an oversight role in that regard. As part of its research and oversight role, the commission can issue guidelines and make recommendations to local authorities. That should assist in standardising processes.