Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 1382: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the internationally accepted norm that, of those entitled to register, 85% is the highest number of persons who appear on the register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2180/08]

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 2007/8, 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 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 in respect of the 2008/9 Register should be to maintain and build on the progress they have made to date. Authorities are required to publish the Register for 2008/9 on 1 February 2008.