Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 496: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the widespread concern regarding the collation and removal of thousands of individuals from the electoral register in the Dublin region and in particular in the Dublin South County Council area, he has had discussions or meetings on this issue; and if he will have a formal or independent review regarding the difficulties and concerns surrounding the accuracy of the current electoral registers for Dáil Éireann constituencies in this or any other catchment area. [7896/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 497: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the attempted removal of thousands of voters off the Dublin south west register particularly in the local authority estates of Knockmore, Killinardan, Kiltalown, Jobstown and Fettercairn areas of west Tallaght, Dublin 24 prior to the last election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7897/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 and 497 together.

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 working to compile the Register for 2007/8, which was in force at the general election last year, 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 advised local authorities that the approach in respect of the 2008/9 Register should be to maintain and build on the progress they had made. Authorities were required to publish the Register for 2008/9 on 1 February 2008.

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.