Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Many additions and deletions have occurred as a result of extensive field work. In a number of local authorities, there is a strong correlation between that work and the 2006 census, which estimated how many people at or above 18 years of age will be on the register in 2007 and 2008. For example, the figure is 100% in Dún Laoghaire, 101% in County Laois, 99% in north County Tipperary and 100% in south County Tipperary. There is a strong correlation between the registration pattern and the 2006 census, not the 2002 census.

Registering every adult will always be difficult, particularly in major urban areas. For example, the figures for Cork and Dublin are 88% and 80%, respectively. People have the opportunity to get on the register before the election and we will continue to help in whatever way we can. If there is excess registration in areas after the local authorities' work has been completed, it will reflect the long-standing bias in the system towards putting people on the register and ensuring that their rights to vote are maintained. Much work has been done to remove people who have died or moved away from the register and we must take account of the significant population movement in recent years.

The Deputy may wish to table parliamentary questions to the relevant Minister regarding his specific requests, but I do not know whether any of the options is possible and I do not want to say. Much work has been done and many resources have been devoted to what has been the most comprehensive review ever. Some people make points about issues in certain areas, but it is a matter for us all to ensure that the register in those areas is as accurate as possible in the time available, which is not limited to 25 November. I cannot tell the Deputy much more beyond the fact that this campaign has had a view to making the register more accurate. We must recognise that we are moving from a standing position of an inaccurate register.

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