James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 255: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the accuracy of the electoral register on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29149/10]

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 256: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure the accuracy of the electoral register in all counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29150/10]

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 257: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the accuracy of the electoral register, which appears to be approximately 70% in most counties cannot be ensured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29151/10]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 to 257, inclusive, 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 2007/08, 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 preparation of the Register of Electors in subsequent years was to maintain and build on the progress made.

Authorities were required to publish the final Register for 2010/11 by 1 February 2010. Individuals not on the Register can avail of the supplement to the Register up until 15 days before the next polling day. Looking to the future, the Programme for Government, agreed in 2007, contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission. The renewed Programme for Government, agreed in October 2009, reaffirms this commitment and identifies a range of responsibilities which the Commission will be mandated to fulfil. The Commission's responsibilities will include taking charge of the compilation of a new national rolling electoral register.