Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 226: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress which has been made on a common template for updating the electoral register; if guidance has been issued to local authorities by his Department; if a formula for funding the process has been identified; if so, if he will outline same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24255/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

I recently announced a package of measures, to be implemented over the coming months, aimed at assisting local authorities to improve the Register. The measures include the use of Census enumerators or other temporary personnel to support local authorities in preparing the next Register.

My Department is working with a group of local authority managers and senior officials to put in place the enhanced programme for improving the next Register. This would include ensuring that each household is visited and provided with forms and information at least twice, if necessary. In the event that this process does not satisfactorily register the household, it is proposed that written notification would then be given cautioning of the danger of being omitted from the Register.

Updated and consolidated guidance has been issued by my Department to local authorities setting out best practice to be followed by authorities in preparing and maintaining the Register. I am prepared to make increased, ring fenced financial resources available to local authorities this year to update the Register; the details involved are being examined at present.