Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The current programme for Government commits to holding a referendum to extend the franchise in presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside the State. This was raised previously by me and others, and the Taoiseach stated the work is ongoing on presidential voting rights and that reports had been completed. Will he spell out exactly what work has been undertaken by the Government over the past three years on this matter? What are the reports?

I understand significant work is involved in preparing for the practicalities of voting rights, but as things stand and looking from the outside, it looks like no progress has been made in providing for the referendum itself. The Taoiseach has emphasised his support for extending rights to Irish citizens living outside the State. He was very much in favour of these rights during his first term as Taoiseach. On that basis, surely the 2019 Bill restored after the last election should have been moved on by now and the heads of the electoral (amendment) Bill should have been published.

What engagement has the Taoiseach or the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, had with the Electoral Commission on dealing with those in the North or the creation of an international electoral register for Irish citizens and passport holders abroad? What other logistical and practical preparations are under way? Does the Taoiseach still intend to hold a referendum concurrent with the next general election, as suggested earlier this year?

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