Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I read this amendment with some interest. I am advised it is not necessary to include a definition of "registration authority" in the Bill as proposed, although I understand the Deputy's intention. Section 18(2) already provides that the Bill when enacted is to be read as one with Electoral Acts 1992 to 2005. These Acts include the appropriate definition of regulatory authorities, and it is in these Acts that the definition is captured. It is captured particularly in section 6 of the 1992 Act, which refers to city and county councils. It would be unwieldy if we were to always repeat definitions and use the collective construction provisions, as in section 18(2).

My advice is that as this is already captured in the other legislation, and as this legislation is to be read as one with the Electoral Acts 1992 to 2005, the desire of the Deputy for clarity in this regard is captured. If the Deputy's draftsperson considers this point it will be seen that the collective description captures the definition.

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