Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is correct. In fact, the more one studies this matter the more one becomes aware of some quite extraordinary factors. I wish to place a few more statistics on the record of the House. As the Deputy knows, there is an academic hypothesis that the total number of people on the electoral register should be roughly the equivalent of 85% of the 18 plus population. That would mean that we still have significant over-registration. There may be all sorts of reasons for that. There is a tradition in Ireland that when a son or daughter comes up to Dublin to work, they keep them on the register at home. Theoretically, that is not a valid thing to do. That has been the case since 1974 but old habits die hard. The Deputy is correct in saying that there are some quite surprising variations between urban and rural areas in terms of the proportion of people aged 18 plus on the register. For example, in Cork city the registration figure is the equivalent of 87% of those aged 18 plus, whereas in Dublin it is the equivalent of 82%. However, in Galway it is 74%, in Limerick 84% and in Waterford 75%. It is hard to explain with any degree of certainty why those variations exist.

The Deputy asked if any inquiry was made, which is a fair question. There was such an inquiry. We know, for example, that in Waterford city there was a huge number of removals. That was not necessarily a bad thing because it turned out that there was a disproportionate number of deceased persons on the register. No matter how one approaches this matter, there will be a continuing challenge with the voter registration process. The process we have reflects more the 19th than the 21st century. I have already indicated my view that in future there should be a rolling register. In addition, we should examine marrying the register with other databases, although it is not something we can do on this occasion. It would be disingenuous, however, if I did not put on record the fact that I am extremely grateful to most local authorities that did a very good job. One or two would not necessarily receive any accolades or gold stars and the Deputy knows of one such that I have in mind.

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