Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm that voter registration may take place in mass registration campaigns at locations such as college campuses; if official supervision is required for such mass registration campaigns to take place; if he will provide information on the methods by which a person may register to vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42077/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority – the city and county councils. It is their duty to ensure as far as is possible, and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register.

In the normal course, voter registration is an ongoing process in which those entitled to be registered apply to their registration authority for inclusion in the Register of Electors. The new register comes into effect each year on 15 February. The draft register is published in November each year in preparation for the coming into effect of the register on the 15 of February following. The public is invited to check the draft during this period so that people can make sure that they are correctly registered. Any errors or omissions in the draft should be brought immediately to the attention of the registration authority. Claims for the addition or deletion of names are ruled on by the county registrar who is a legally qualified court officer. The ruling is made in public and any person may attend and give evidence.

Provision is also made in electoral law for inclusion in the supplement to the register. If a person is not included in the register of electors currently in force but considers that he or she qualifies for registration - for example if they have come of age to register or if they have changed address - the person may apply for entry in the supplement to the register which is open year round subject to certain practical limits in the weeks before a polling day. The closing date for the supplement to the register for the forthcoming referendum is Tuesday, 23 October 2012.

The detailed requirements regarding the inclusion of persons in the supplement are set out in section 15, and Part 2, of the Second Schedule to the Electoral Act 1992. An applicant for inclusion in the supplement to the register must apply directly to his or her registration authority. The application must be signed by the applicant in the presence of a member of the Garda Síochána from the applicant’s local Garda station who must first be satisfied as to the person's identity before signing, dating and stamping the form. The Garda may request photographic or other identification. Where the applicant establishes in writing that he is unable to progress the application in this way, the form can be signed by the applicant in the presence of an official of the registration authority who is satisfied as to his or her identity. Again, photographic or other identification may be required. If neither option is viable due to physical illness or physical disability, the application form must be accompanied by a medical certificate.

Student campaigns which encourage people to register to vote are to be welcomed. However, it is important that the requirements of electoral law are met.