Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a request from local authorities for additional resources to assist in the compilation of the electoral register; the local authorities which have made such a request; his response to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5327/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The compilation and publication of the register of electors is a matter for each local registration authority in accordance with electoral law and it is the duty of registration authorities to ensure as far as possible the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register.

Local authorities fund their general expenditure, including in regard to the register, from a variety of sources, including commercial rates, rents, fees, charges for services and general purpose grants from the local government fund. Since the establishment of the fund in 1999, record levels of funding have been made available through the local government system to improve the quality and range of services being provided by local authorities. In 2006, I have allocated general purpose grants from the fund totaling €875 million, an increase of €57 million or 7% over the amount provided last year.

In recent times, I have received a request from one local authority, in November 2005 from Kildare County Council, seeking additional resources for its work in compiling the register. I replied to the authority along the general lines set out above. In the case of Kildare County Council, I have allocated €23.893 million in general purpose grants in 2006, an increase of 9.6% over 2005.