Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The intent of the Bill is to provide for constituency revision having regard to the recent reviews of our Dáil and European Parliament constituencies by An Coimisiún Toghcháin. It was never intended that the Bill provide for miscellaneous amendments to the Electoral Acts as would be the case were the scope of the Bill to be extended. Notwithstanding the scope of the Bill, the practice of publishing postal addresses on ballot papers is an important issue, as the Deputy has said, in light of the concerns that have been raised having particular regard to safety in political life. The issue was discussed on Committee Stage of the Bill and more recently at yesterday’s meeting between the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, officials from my Department and officials from An Coimisiún Toghcháin. At both meetings it was signalled that An Coimisiún Toghcháin has published and has announced a public consultation on its draft research programme 2024-26, setting out items as proposed to undertake research on. An Coimisiún Toghcháin is currently inviting all interested parties to make submissions on both the draft programme and on any additional research projects that might be considered important to promote and enhance Ireland’s democracy and electoral events before 12 January 2024. At yesterday’s meeting the commission indicated that it would be prepared to examine this matter if requested to do so. Furthermore my colleague, the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, has signalled that he would welcome research on this matter suggesting alternatives to the use of postal addresses.

I met with Women for Election some weeks ago and gave commitments in relation to this. There is instruction that can be given to returning officers in relation to the postal address. I would be more than happy to circulate a note to Deputy Bacik and other Deputies on that. However, I oppose the amendment.

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