Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will implement the recommendations contained in the report by the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the future of the electoral register in Ireland published in April 2008; and when will he introduce the required legislation. [20771/08]

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 451: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the electoral register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20912/08]

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of names that incorrectly remain on the electoral register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20913/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 451 and 452 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, local authorities undertook and completed, with assistance from my Department, 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. The task now for local authorities, in relation to the Register, is to maintain and build on the progress made to date.

Beyond that, I welcome the recent report of the Joint Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to The Future of the Electoral Register in Ireland and Related Matters. The report is consistent with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government to establish an Electoral Commission, with responsibilities to include compiling a new national rolling electoral register, and is an important input to future Government decisions in this area.