John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

Deputy Lynch raised a number of interesting points. He is correct in stating that there is real inconsistency between many of the local authorities. I myself discovered that. Even in the compilation of the register, in whether it is available electronically and in how it is conducted, there is little consistency. I agree there is work for my Department in that regard.

I hope many of these constructive suggestions being made can be fed into our idea for an electoral commission. It takes it away from my Department. I accept a loss of power is involved but most Deputies at this stage agree this is a most important issue and it needs to be addressed properly. The right place for that to be done is in a separate, independent electoral commission. I am drawing up proposals for the establishment of an electoral commission, the details of which will be debated in the House. I hope the very good ideas mooted by Deputy Ciarán Lynch will be fed into that commission.

It must be acknowledged that some progress has been made. There were huge discrepancies and over-estimations which are not acceptable. However, voting is not compulsory. People have a right not to be on the register and not to vote. A significant awareness campaign is required. Many people believe they are automatically put on the register. As a practising politician, Deputy Ciarán Lynch will be aware there is great ignorance on the matter. Many things need to be done and I hope the Deputy can feed his ideas into the electoral commission.

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