asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the complaints which have been made for some years past concerning the compilation of the voters' register, he will consider, as a remedial measure, giving sanction to the employment of franchise staffs in a permanent capacity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Permanent Franchise Staffs.
The duty of making inquiries and furnishing information to enable the electors' lists to be prepared is imposed by law on rate collectors. Before the work of compiling the forthcoming register of electors began I made it clear to all concerned that the utmost care must be taken in its preparation in order to avoid inaccuracies and omissions. The question of introducing legislation to alter the present system of compiling the register is not contemplated.
Can the Minister state whether he has received any complaints that in some cases rate collectors were suspected of omitting certain names on the voters' register?
I have been receiving them since I first entered politics. I have impressed upon rate collectors that if I come across cases of wilful omission or addition to the register, I will take steps to penalise the rate collectors responsible.
In view of the Minister's reply, does he not think it wise to ensure that the appointment of rate collectors would be removed from the political arena in future?
I shall discuss that with the Deputy when the Bill comes before the House again.