Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I listened with interest to the debate and what was said by the various contributors. I thank the Deputies for their contributions. It is clear that voting rights are dear to the hearts of many Irish citizens resident outside the State. We all acknowledge that, as does the Government. In terms of some of the main considerations that arise for analysis, it is important that we weigh up the implications of the numbers that might be involved in extending the franchise in presidential elections to Irish citizens resident outside the State. We must also consider whether a time limit should apply to the entitlement of those citizens to vote and, if so, for how many years. The joint committee also mentioned in its report the need to consider such matters.

Various Deputies referred to the fact that the registration of voters resident outside the State raises questions about how that might be done efficiently, but we must also ensure the integrity of the voter registration system, which is fundamental to any democratic voting system. Consideration, too, would need to be given to the way in which voters might be allowed to vote. Different methods are used around the world, including voting at diplomatic missions, postal voting and e-voting. All of the options must be closely examined, as there are complex and interrelated issues of both principle and practicality. In its consideration of the Fifth Report of the Constitutional Convention, the Government decided that the full range of issues involved would need to be analysed and costed before any decision could be made on the holding of a referendum. That work has commenced.

I also outlined in my contribution the developments this year on the establishment of an electoral commission. The report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht on the consultation paper published earlier this year is expected shortly. That will provide an invaluable input into the preparation of the electoral commission Bill. I stress again, however, that the establishment of an electoral commission will take a number of years to complete.

Various points were raised in the debate. Deputy Colreavy accused the Government of inaction. I do not agree with him because, as I outlined, the issue must be carefully examined and the work is under way. A deep analysis is being carried out and every aspect of the matter must be considered.

To date, the European Court of Justice has not interfered with any national competence in relation to electoral systems. It is important to state that currently the EU has no legal competence in regard to national election systems. It is not an EU law but a recommendation based on the perception that electoral laws impact on free movement within the Union. We must be careful in the statements we make on this important issue.

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