Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 416: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has had discussions with the various local authorities with a view to enabling An Post undertake the updating of the voter's register, having particular regard to the need to ensure that a body with the nationwide network of An Post should be given the job which would in fact be complimentary to services already undertaken through the post office and delivery service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13900/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In law, the preparation of the register of electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the co-operation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register. Their work in this area includes the carrying out of house-to-house inquiries, delivery of registration forms and running local awareness campaigns.

I share the concerns expressed on the quality of the register. My Department wrote to registration authorities on 14 July 2005 and requested them to take all necessary steps to secure significant improvement in the quality of the register. A national awareness campaign was conducted in November 2005 associated with the work on preparation of the register underway at that stage. Also in November 2005, my Department completed work on new and updated guidance for registration authorities on preparing and maintaining the register. The aim of the guidance 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.

The draft guidance has been circulated for comment to all registration authorities and returning officers and to the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government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of securing improvements in the register, registration authorities have also been asked to proceed to implement the draft guidance with immediate effect.

While there are no proposals on the lines referred to in the question, I will continue to keep these important issues under close review.