asked the Minister for Local Government if, having regard to the voting facilities accorded to Irish citizens in Britain, he will consider the possibility of according similar facilities to British citizens here subject to residential qualifications.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Voting Rights for British Citizens.
23.
Mr. Barrett
The introduction of legislation to amend the Constitution to enable voting rights at Dáil and Presidential elections to be accorded to persons other than Irish citizens is not at present envisaged.
There is no citizenship qualification for voting at local elections.
Is the Minister aware that there are a number of people in this country who have resided here for a great number of years and who have given service to the country but who are not entitled to vote under the legislation as it is at present? I am quite sure that the Minister, or his predecessors, has had this case made to them before. Would the Minister agree to examine or re-examine the question of these people's rights in connection with voting?
I do not think that there is any justification for amending the Constitution for this purpose but, of course, I am not aware of what might be under consideration by the Committee that is examining the Constitution.
Would it require Constitutional amendment?
Yes.
For local elections?
They may vote in local elections. They are entitled to vote. There are no citizenship qualifications for local elections.