Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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299. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether the reduction in the number of County Registrars may limit the ability or availability of returning officers for each Dáil constituency for subsequent general elections; the steps he is taking to ensure that the existing number of County Registrars will be in a position to handle the multiple count centres throughout the country for future general elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29059/13]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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338. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that since six county registrars have been appointed (details supplied) to become Specialist Judges of the Circuit Court for the purposes of the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 and that with the reduction in the number of County Registrars from 23 to 17, with the work redistributed following consultation with the serving county registrars, that the number of County Registrars will be severely curtailed and may limit the ability or availability of returning officers for each Dáil constituency for subsequent general elections; the steps he is taking to ensure that the existing number of County Registrars will be in a position to handle the multiple count centres throughout the country for future general elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29058/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 299 and 338 together.

Part V of the Electoral Act 1992 sets out the arrangements for returning officers at elections . Section 30(6) of the Act provides that where a vacancy occurs in the post of sheriff or county registrar and where the holder was a returning officer, the nister may appoint a person to act as returning officer for the period of the vacancy.

In the light of the Government decision to nominate six county registrars for appointment by the President as Specialist Judges of the Circuit Court , my Department is giving consideration to appointments that may need to be made to the position of returning officer . I will make the necessary appointments when the relevant county registrar posts become vacant.