Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Jun 1960

Vol. 183 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork County Registrar: Eligibility as Voter.

9.

Mr. Healy

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the name of the Cork County Registrar appears in the current register as a Division III voter, apparently in respect of his occupancy as a public servant of an office or offices in the Courthouse, Cork; that in his capacity of Registration Officer he adjudicated on his own claim to be so registered; and whether the County Registrar is by virtue of his occupancy of the said office or offices legally entitled to vote in the forthcoming Cork Corporation election.

10.

Mr. Healy

asked the Minister for Local Government in what capacity the Cork County Registrar occupies an office or offices in the Courthouse, Cork, whether as a rated occupier, under a contract of tenancy or simply as a public servant; if he is aware that the County Registrar by virtue of such occupancy claimed to be registered as a Division III voter, and that in his capacity as Registration Officer he adjudicated favourably on his own claim; and whether the County Registrar is entitled to be so registered.

Mr. Hilliard

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.

I have seen the entry in the register to which the Deputy refers. The officer occupies the accommodation in question in his capacity as a county registrar by virtue of Section 37 of the Court Officers Act, 1926, and the Courthouses (Provision and Maintenance) Act, 1935. Under the Electoral Acts, as applied to the registration of local government electors, the registration officer, who is the county registrar, decides on claims and objections in registration matters, subject to appeal to the courts. I have no jurisdiction to decide on the right of any person to be registered or to vote.

Mr. S. Brady

I should like to know if that means that every county registrar, manager or rate collector would be entitled to a vote?

Mr. Hilliard

I have no jurisdiction in the matter and any person who feels aggrieved with any decision arrived at by the county registrar or the registration officer has the right of appeal to the courts.