Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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212. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason no voting proposals for Irish citizens abroad were contained in the global Irish Diaspora policy document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15263/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Active representation in Irish civic life is of significant importance to Irish citizens overseas as evidenced by the submissions to the public consultation process undertaken to inform the Diaspora Policy. The issue of voting rights for citizens overseas was raised in a number of submissions received during this process.

At the time of finalising the Diaspora Policy, two important parallel processes were underway with regard to extending the voting franchise. Firstly, a working group on Seanad Reform was exploring ways of reforming Seanad Éireann within existing constitutional parameters. Their report was due after the policy was to be published. They have since reported to Government and their recommendations propose some significant changes to Seanad voting arrangements which would impact on citizens overseas. There now needs to be public and political discussion and consultation on the overall content of that report.

In addition, meeting in September 2013, the members of the Constitutional Convention voted in favour of citizens resident outside the State, including those in Northern Ireland, having the right to vote in Presidential elections. This recommendation requires consideration of a number of issues that would arise were it to be implemented including policy, legal and practical issues. The Government has asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, in cooperation with myself and the Minister of State for Diaspora Affairs, to analyse the issues arising and to report back to Government.

The Diaspora Policy notes the ongoing whole of government focus on this issue. It is not a simple matter and both of the current processes deserve full consideration before any recommendation is made.