Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

In law, preparation of the register of electors is a matter for each local registration authority, as was recently recognised in a press release issued by the Deputy Sherlock's party. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the co-operation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register. In this, the broad approach has always been to ensure that people are entered on the register and can exercise their right to vote and I am sure that Deputies will continue to support this key objective.

Last week, I announced a package of measures, to be implemented over the coming months, aimed at assisting registration authorities to improve the register.

The measures include the use of census enumerators or other temporary personnel to support local authorities in preparing the next register as part of an intensive registration campaign to be conducted this summer. Related to this, I am prepared to make increased ring-fenced financing available to local authorities this year to update the register.

An early start will be made to the local authority registration campaign for 2007-08 and there will also be an intensive information campaign. My Department will issue updated and consolidated guidance to ensure that all local authorities work to the same template because it was recognised in a previous debate in the House that this has not been the case. The guidance will tell local authorities to make maximum use of databases available to them to cross-check the register. New information technology-based arrangements to delete deceased persons from the register have also been put in place.

My Department is now working with a group of local authority managers and senior officials to put in place an enhanced programme for improving the next register of electors. This would include ensuring that each household is visited and provided with forms and information at least twice if necessary. In the event that this process does not satisfactorily register the household, it is proposed that written notification would then be given cautioning of the danger of being omitted from the register. I recognise that Deputies of all parties will wish to avoid disenfranchising voters who have been on the register for many years. However, Deputies have equally expressed concern that a more rigorous approach to compiling the register should be taken, a concern with which I agree.

There should be a broad political consensus on these issues because sensitive matters will be raised in the editing of the register. For this reason, I have written to the chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government requesting that it arrange an early discussion of my proposals.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

I am looking for the controls at all polling stations at election time to be strengthened with updated guidelines in respect of voter fraud before the next election.

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