Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the internationally accepted norm that even in countries with compulsory registration, 15% to 20% of those entitled to vote do not appear on the electoral register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35147/07]

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 their work in this area, local authorities do not compile data which would permit specific conclusions to be drawn relating to levels of overall registration for electoral purposes.

In working to compile the Register for 2007/2008, which is currently in force, local authorities undertook and completed the most extensive registration campaign in decades. On the basis of the work undertaken, I am satisfied that local authorities have achieved a significant improvement in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register compared to previous years.

My Department has advised local authorities that the approach this year should be to maintain and build on the progress they have made to date. Looking ahead, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission. The Commission's responsibilities will include taking charge of the compilation of a new national rolling electoral register.