Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for the amendment and their contributions. The amendment seeks to amend section 26, which provides for the role of An Coimisiún Toghcháin in regard to the register of electors, including the research it would undertake, and provides that it would make recommendations. It also provides for reporting requirements by the chief registration officer to An Coimisiún Toghcháin. The section requires An Coimisiún Toghcháin to publish a report within two years of the commencement of the legislation, based on the research carried out by it on the register.

The amendments in this group seek to assign a research role to An Coimisiún Toghcháin and to outline areas where it could make recommendations. They are listed in the amendments and Members know what they are. In respect of each of the amendments, it is important that we reflect on the provisions of the Electoral Reform Act 2022, which I spoke about earlier. Under sections 64 and 66 of the Act, An Coimisiún Toghcháin is assigned research and advisory functions on electoral policy and procedures. As part of these functions, an coimisiún may conduct research and make recommendations for legislative or policy changes in respect of electoral matters. This includes conducting research and making recommendations in respect of the issues raised in the Senators' amendments.

Furthermore, increasing voter turnout and participation in our democratic process is a key interest of An Coimisiún Toghcháin. The provisions set out in the Electoral Reform Act, along with the provisions in section 26, provide ample scope for an coimisiún to carry out appropriate research and to make recommendations in respect of all electoral matters.

Amendment No. 38 seeks to ensure an coimisiún will publish a report on the administration of elections held in the higher education constituencies. I am happy to confirm that this is already provided for under the Electoral Reform Act 2022. Section 68 of the Act provides for post-electoral event reviews to be carried out by An Coimisiún Toghcháin following all elections and referendums, including Seanad elections. I hope that satisfies the Senators.