Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the enumerators employed to conduct the Census will be used to bring the electoral register up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16617/06]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 72: 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 to undertake the updating of the voters 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. [13816/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 72 together.

In law, 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 cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.

Last week, I announced a package of measures, to be implemented over the coming months, aimed at assisting registration authorities improve the Register. The measures include the use of census enumerators or other temporary personnel to support local authorities in preparing the next Register, as part of an intensive registration campaign to be conducted this summer. Related to this, I am prepared to make increased, ring fenced financial resources available to local authorities this year to update the Register. An early start will be made to the local authority Register campaign for 2007/8 and there will also be an intensive information campaign.

My Department will issue updated and consolidated Guidance to ensure that all local authorities work to the same template. The Guidance will tell local authorities to make maximum use of databases available to them to crosscheck the Register.

New IT based arrangements to delete deceased persons from the Register have also been put in place and better 'on-line' facilities to help people check the Register, including an additional on-line facility through my Department's website, will be introduced.

Finally, in relation to voter fraud, I am looking for the controls at all polling stations at election time to be strengthened with updated guidelines in this area before the next Election. I believe this package of measures is the most practical, realistic and sensible way forward. While there are no specific proposals related to the postal service, I will continue to keep issues related to the Register under close review.