Fiona O'Malley (Independent)

I am grateful to the Cathaoirleach for providing me with an opportunity to discuss this matter. There is much discussion about political reform and it struck me that there is no way there will be any political reform until we have the establishment of an independent electoral commission. It is a vital hook on which we will set about establishing a new system of running elections. This point struck me while studying the renewed programme for Government. As a result, I was keen to have the Minister appear in the House to talk about progress and what is happening and how matters are moving along because everyone is anxious to see change. While with goodwill, there may be two years until the next general election, it would be good to expect a degree of change by then. All Members agree on the necessity to make a lot of changes to our electoral system because they seek the participation of more young people or women or because of matters relating to boundaries, how they are established and so on. However, it is vitally important that an independent electoral commission be established that will look after this matter.

The most important function of such a commission will be to establish an accurate register. Although one constantly hears that voter participation is falling, it has been pointed out on numerous occasions that the problem is with the accuracy of the register. When one depends completely on the register for one's turnout figures, they look bad. However, to take a personal example, I was on the register in three places for the last election even though I am a responsible type of citizen who seeks to be removed from the register where it is duplicated. Therefore, I am sure the register is full of people who are not so active or interested in this issue as am I.

This is one of the major functions an independent electoral commission will be required to do. All Members are aware that local authorities, which are responsible for looking after the electoral register at present, all have different standards. Even though they are requested to operate similar types of systems, they do not. Consequently, it is time to establish an independent body and I am glad such a proposal is included in the programme for Government. However, I note that on page 32 of the renewed programme, which relates to this issue, it is stated that within 12 months, the electoral commission will be established and will propose reforms to the electoral system. I am trying to ascertain whether the aforementioned 12 months is from the date of publication of the renewed programme for Government in October 2009 or whether it means within 12 months of the commission's establishment. I am keen to find out the current position.

As someone who is interested in politics and democracy, I often have gone on election monitoring and observing missions. When one does so, one is well trained as to what questions one can or cannot ask and the subject of independent electoral commissions is always raised. In particular, I have gone on missions to places in Africa and to eastern European countries, all of which have established independent electoral commissions. I believe it is quite embarrassing that Ireland does not. An independent function for the running of Irish elections must be established. As soon as the last boundary commission report was published, I believe the present Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen, who may not have held that office at the time, expressed his annoyance that the proposed changes transgressed the county boundary of County Offaly. Similarly, I recall there was uproar in County Limerick because half of a Limerick constituency has been moved into Kerry.