The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission which will take responsibility for electoral administration and oversight, implement modern and efficient electoral practices, revise constituency boundaries, take charge of compiling a new national rolling electoral register, take over the functions of the Standards in Public Office Commission relating to election spending, and examine the issue of financing the political system. My Department has appointed consultants to carry out preliminary research on issues arising in relation to the establishment of the Electoral Commission. Their report is expected in August 2008. The research findings will inform further consideration of the approach to be taken in relation to an Electoral Commission.