John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 546: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide details of the draft guidance for registration authorities on preparing and maintaining the register; if elected representatives will be invited to make submissions on the draft guidance, as they are most affected by the admitted failure to produce an accurate register of electors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12069/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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A new and updated draft guide for registration authorities on preparing and maintaining the register of electors was completed by my Department in November 2005. The aim of the guidance document is to secure significant improvement in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register by setting out clearly the legal requirements in this complex area and identifying best practice for registration authorities in their work on the register. I will arrange to have a copy of the draft guidance document sent to the Deputy, with a summary of the key points.

The draft document has been circulated for comment to all registration authorities and returning officers and to the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government, which discussed the guidance in December 2005. Following this consultation process, my Department is now finalising the guidance and, in this, consideration will be given to all comments received. However, in view of the importance of securing improvements in the register, registration authorities have also been asked to proceed to implement the draft guidance with immediate effect.