Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I agree with trying to reduce barriers. Many homeless people I meet are very politically engaged, not only by virtue of their circumstances, and very well-educated and well-read people who are very engaged in our political system and the future of our country. We all want to ensure they can participate fully in that. Perhaps my speaking notes might have something of a stifling effect, as Deputy Ó Broin said.

Like all of the other amendments tabled by Deputy O'Callaghan, this is one well intended.

This is a new provision, the objective of which is to enable and facilitate people who are experiencing challenging circumstances to register to vote. The annual re-registration requirement is intended to maximise the potential of people in this cohort to register and remain engaged with the process. We can reasonably expect people availing of this provision to be a more mobile and transient group who will be more likely to have their details change within 12 months than many other voters. As such, in order to keep their registration current, more engagement with their local authorities may be needed. As this is a new provision, careful and considerate treatment will be needed in its implementation.

In respect of electors with no fixed addresses, the Bill requires registration authorities, in so far as is reasonable and practicable, to assist people making applications under this provision. I refer Deputies to section 104, rule 37(2), at lines 3 to 4 on page 87. In terms of renewals, I would expect that this assistance would be in place in good time to avoid people falling off the register. The changes being made as part of the wider modernisation of the electoral registration process will enable a simple online process, including to reconfirm the registration for a further year or to update to a fixed address, where appropriate.

There is also a provision for the Minister to initiate a review of this provision within three years of its operation, ensuring that this annual requirement and any other part of the process can be considered in consultation with all stakeholders. In this regard, I refer Deputies to section 82(8), at lines 16 to 27 on page 53. This strikes the right balance and also creates a critical opportunity to gather information on the operation of this new provision to inform a future review. As a result, I am not in a position to accept the amendment.