Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 245: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount paid to a local authority (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to the updating of the register of electors carried out by local authorities in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18270/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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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 cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.

In April 2006, a package of measures was introduced to assist local authorities in their work on preparing the 2007/8 Register. These measures included the provision of additional ring-fenced financial resources to support local authorities' own spending in respect of the Register campaign.

Authorities were advised that a contribution of some €6 million was available in this regard; €3 million (€92,000 to Mayo County Council) was paid to authorities in July 2006 and a further €2.1 million (€106,109 to Mayo County Council) was paid to authorities in December 2006. Final claims for funding from authorities (including Mayo County Council) have been received by my Department and remaining payments within the overall allocation of €6 million will be made shortly. A detailed breakdown of expenditure along the lines referred to in the Question is a matter for the authority concerned.