Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Under electoral law, a nomination paper must state the name, address and occupation (if any) of a candidate at an election. A ballot paper must contain the name and description of the candidate standing nominated, as shown in the nomination paper. This requirement is intended as a means of identifying a candidate and ensuring the transparency of elections. In ruling on the validity of a nomination paper, the independent returning officer must, amongst other things, object to the description of a candidate which is, in his or her opinion, incorrect or insufficient to identify the candidate.

Guidance provided to returning officers by my Department in advance of elections states that a candidate’s address need not necessarily relate to their residence but could, for example, refer to their place of businesssuch as a constituency office.

During the Committee Stage debate on the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023 the issue of the requirement for the address of a candidate on ballot papers was raised. During the debate I highlighted that An Coimisiún Toghcháin had prepared its first draft research programme and was seeking the views of the Oireachtas, the public and other interested parties on its research priorities. In response to An Coimisiún's call for submissions I have asked it to consider the issue of the address of candidates on ballot papers.

Changes to electoral law in respect of the issue would have regard to any recommendations made by An Coimisiún Toghcháin.