Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 412: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reform the system of voter registration; if a system linked to PPS numbers is under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9479/11]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 413: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce an Electoral Commission to take over the responsibility of managing the register of electors from individual local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9480/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 412 and 413 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. While there have been improvements in these regards in recent years, I am satisfied that further improvements can be made.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an Electoral Commission to subsume functions of existing bodies and my Department. An Electoral Commission will be an important element in a reformed and revitalised electoral system and I am currently giving consideration to how the necessary measures to establish, such a Commission can be advanced, including its structure and functions. I will, in that context, give consideration to issues raised concerning the electoral register.