John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

In law the preparation of the register of electors is a matter for each local registration authority. 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.

The compilation of the register and the carrying out of a census are different processes with different statutory requirements. In addition, there are usually significant timing differences between the census and the register, with the census being carried out once every five years and the register being compiled on an annual basis. Therefore, care needs to be taken in making comparisons between these separate processes.

In working to compile the register for 2007-08, which is currently in force, registration authorities undertook and completed the most extensive registration campaign in decades. On the basis of the work undertaken, registration authorities have achieved a significant improvement in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register compared to previous years.

My Department has advised authorities that the approach this year should be to maintain and build on the progress they have made to date. Looking ahead, the programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent electoral commission. The commission's responsibilities will include taking charge of the compilation of a new national rolling electoral register.

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