Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to improve the accuracy of the electoral register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24924/09]

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 working to compile the Register for 2007/08, 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 for local authorities, in relation to the Register for 2009/10, was to maintain and build on the progress made to date.

Authorities were required to publish the Final Register for 2009/10 by 1 February 2009. Individuals not on the Register can avail of the supplement to the Register up until 15 days before the next polling day. Returns received from registration authorities by my Department indicate that over 72,000 persons were included on the supplement to the Register before the recent elections.

Looking to the future, 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. My Department appointed consultants to carry out preliminary research on issues arising in relation to establishment of the Electoral Commission. I published the relevant report for consultation on 10 February 2009, with a closing date of 26 June 2009.