Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 5

Written Answers. - Register of Electors.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

115 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, there are to allow those from Northern Ireland or Britain resident in this country to vote in the proposed referendum on settlement proposals for Northern Ireland, particularly as people from these areas have an interest in the settlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8468/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

Article 47.3 of the Constitution provides that every Irish citizen shall have the right to vote at a referendum. An Irish citizen is entitled to vote at a referendum if he or she satisfies the conditions for entry on the register of electors which, inter alia, includes being ordinarily resident in a Dáil constituency. I have no proposals to amend the Constitution in relation to the right to vote at a referenda.