Written answers

Thursday, 26 February 2015

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Electoral Reform

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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15. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an outline of the discussions he has had with Irish emigrant groups in relation to their ongoing campaigns to participate in the Irish electoral process, such as elections to a reformed Seanad Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8236/15]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The enhancement of our connections to the global Irish community remains central to Government policy.The establishment of the position of Minister for the Diaspora is a tangible demonstration of the Irish Government’s deep commitment to the Irish community abroad. Since taking up this role I have visited many Irish communities and the universal reaction has been very positive.

I am very aware that the question of the extension of voting rights to Irish citizens abroad is an issue of great interest to many members of our community abroad. I, and my colleague Minister Flanagan, have had a number of meetings with members of the Irish diaspora community at which this topic has been the subject of discussion.In addition, as part of the consultation phase of the review of our Diaspora Policy the issue of voting rights was raised by many of the groups and individuals who made submissions.

At a meeting in September 2013, the members of the Convention on the Constitution supported the introduction of the right to vote in Presidential elections for citizens resident outside the State.

The Government has recently considered their response to the recommendation of the Convention and has decided that it is necessary to analyse the full range of practical and policy issues that would arise in any significant extension of the franchise, before any decision could be made on the holding of a referendum. This analysis will be undertaken by the relevant Ministers who will report back to Government on the matter.

A Working Group on Seanad Reform, chaired by Dr. Maurice Manning, was established by the Taoiseach in December 2014. This Group is exploring ways of reforming Seanad Éireann and the manner in which it carries out its business and has been asked to report back to Government not later than the end of March 2015. The Group is examining these issues within existing Constitutional parameters.

It is clear from our contacts that many of our emigrants abroad see the extension of voting rights to Irish citizens outside the State as being an important step in deepening their engagement with Ireland and allowing them to play a more active role in Irish society. I understand and appreciate their aspirations in this regard.

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