Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 392: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is reviewing the operation of the electoral register; if he received complaints from citizens regarding the alleged duplication of names on the electoral register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35454/09]

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. Looking to the future, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission. The Commission's responsibilities will include administering the voting registration process.