Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I reiterate that, by law, the local authorities are the responsible authorities for voter registration. I am sure the Senator's experience is the same as mine in that some local authorities are better than others in this regard. I call on local authorities to use the resources available to them to ensure in so far as possible there is awareness about voter registration in their respective areas. I accept the Senator's point about the importance of political parties, those in civil society, students' unions and anyone else with an active interest engaging proactively with our democracy. To do so they must be registered to vote. The issue raised by the Senator is timely. I support her in her efforts to raise awareness. It is important that everyone entitled to vote exercises their vote. Some may wish not to exercise their vote but that is their right also. I thank the Senator for raising this important issue. I hope some members of the media are listening to this debate because they have a role to play in raising awareness.