asked the Taoiseach if the Government have any proposals to permit citizens of the United Kingdom who are resident in the Republic of Ireland to vote in Irish general elections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Voting by UK Citizens.
4.
This matter is being examined with a view to bringing forward proposals.
Does the Taoiseach anticipate that a constitutional change would be necessary to implement any such proposition?
There is a view that a constitutional change is not necessary and I am optimistic that that view may prevail.
How many persons would be involved?
I have heard different figures but I would not opt for any one figure.
Would the Taoiseach accept that under the Citizenship Act such section can be taken by order by the Minister for the Environment? Does the Taoiseach recall that the Minister for the Environment, when asked about this by me several months ago, said he had no plans whatsoever in the matter?
Situations keep moving forward.
Sometimes even backwards.
Not any more.
I should like to know if this proposal to extend voting rights is confined to United Kingdom nationals or to national of all Community countries? Did the Taoiseach discuss with his Community colleagues the possibility of discriminating in favour of one Community country as against others?
This proposal is being examined at present entirely in the UK-Ireland context.
Does the Taoiseach believe this will influence people like Dr. Paisley in Northern Ireland? He does not care whether the Taoiseach gives them all ten votes.