Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 225: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason correspondence to a local authority was not responded to with the result that a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was removed incorrectly from the Register of Electors, despite their wishes and despite this Deputy's instructions to the contrary; his views on whether the recent review of the Register of Electors gives a more accurate picture of the electorate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8161/07]

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

Authorities were required to publish the final Register for 2007/8 by 1 February last. In working to compile the Register, authorities undertook and completed the most extensive registration campaign in decades. Figures received by my Department indicate that, in this work, some 555,000 names were removed from last year's register and 523,000 names were added. Overall, the Register for 2007/2008 contains over 32,000 fewer names than last year. In relation to those eligible to vote at Dáil elections, the new Register contains some 62,000 fewer names than last year.

Since the publication of the Draft Register in November, local authorities continued to make corrections with the result that the final register contains about 93,000 more names than at draft stage, or 86,000 more in the case of Dáil elections. On the basis of the work undertaken, I am satisfied that there has been a significant improvement in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. The final Register for 2007/2008 is now available for checking and individuals not on the Register can avail of the supplement to the register up until 15 days before the next polling day.

On the specific case referred to in the Question, I understand that Mayo County Council is making arrangements to contact the person concerned with a view to inclusion on the supplement.