Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 519: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to review the electoral laws to guard against abuse of the electoral franchise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4622/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There are extensive measures in place under existing electoral law to protect the electoral franchise.

The returning officer or the presiding officer may of his or her own volition, or if so requested by a personation agent present in the polling station, request any person applying for a ballot paper to produce a specified identification document. If a person fails to produce such a document, or if the returning officer or the presiding officer is not satisfied that the person is the person to whom the document relates, they are not permitted to vote. Returning officers or presiding officers may also, or if so requested by a personation agent shall, put certain questions or administer an oath or affirmation to persons applying for a ballot paper.

Electoral law also sets out a range of offences and penalties in relation to personation, including a new offence provided for under the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2004 for the unlawful possession or use of a polling information card. The prevention of personation relies on the deterrent effect of sanctions applicable for committing an electoral offence and on the vigilance of polling staff and personation agents present in the polling station. In this regard, my Department provides on an ongoing basis comprehensive guidance documentation to returning officers and presiding officers which contains detailed advice on countering personation.

I am concerned to ensure that the legislative and administrative arrangements in place are as flexible as possible while maintaining the security and integrity of the electoral process. I will continue to keep current practice, including the scope for further improvements, under review.