Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 56: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on moving responsibility for the electoral register from local authorities to a centralised authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27703/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

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.

The establishment of an Electoral Commission will be a major body of work with issues arising for consideration including international best practice, the Commission's structure and functions, who it reports to, its relationship with other bodies currently involved, and the approach to be followed in relation to the extensive legislation that will be required.

As a first input to this process, my Department has appointed consultants to carry out preliminary research on the issues arising in relation to the establishment of the Electoral Commission. The consultants' work is underway and is expected to be completed in August.