asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the many omissions which occur in the annual compilation of the voters' lists, he will consider having a notification sent through the post to each household and institution on the 15th September of each year setting out the different dates prescribed by statute in the compliation of the register.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compilation of Voters' Lists.
I am satisfied as to the necessity for a more accurate compilation of the register and I am considering the steps which might best be taken to this end. Pending completion of the investigation which I am having made, I do not wish to express an opinion on the particular suggestion put forward by the Deputy.
It would greatly facilitate and expedite my investigation if Deputies and others having definite information about specific cases of omissions from the register were to communicate this information to my Department without delay. Complaints couched in only general terms are of little or no assistance.
Will the Minister agree that there is general dissatisfaction with the compilation of the voters' list each year and would he, in view of that fact, consider setting up a committee representative of the different Parties in the House to devise ways and means of overcoming the difficulty which leads to that dissatisfaction?
I am aware that there is dissatisfaction not only this year but for a good many years back, and I am now taking steps to remedy the omissions made in the past.
Would the Minister consider the suggestion I made yesterday in another place where this question was discussed that, instead of the returning officer in each area sending a green card notifying a householder of his number and the place where he votes on the eve of an election, the card be sent immediately on the conclusion of the compilation of the register and that a notice be inserted in the papers stating that anybody who has not received such a card should then apply? I believe that would solve the problem. The trouble at the moment is that people do not know until the eve of the election.
That is a suggestion I certainly will consider.