James Bannon
Question:452. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will create a new Electoral Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51190/12]
View answerTuesday, 20 November 2012
Questions (452)
Written answers
I refer to the reply to Question No. 127 on 7 November 2012. The Programme for Government includes a range of political reform measures, a number of which are in my area of responsibility as Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. Many of the measures have already been implemented. Others are in the process of being implemented. The debate on the Electoral (Amendment) (Dáil Constituencies) Bill 2012 published on 5 October is scheduled to start in the Dáil this week. The Government legislation programme includes an Electoral (Amendment) (Referendum Spending and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to be published in 2013 which will implement more commitments in the Programme for Government. Arising from the Action Programme for Effective Local Government I have established a Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee to review and make recommendations on local electoral area boundaries in time for the 2014 local elections and my Department will be providing administrative support to that committee.
Following these tasks, I will be addressing the Programme for Government commitment to establish an Electoral Commission to subsume functions of existing bodies and my Department. Establishment of an Electoral Commission will be a major body of work. Issues for consideration include international best practice, the Commission's structure and functions, who it reports to, its relationship with other bodies currently involved in electoral administration, and the approach to be followed in relation to the extensive legislation that will be required, as well as practical matters including staffing and funding arrangements.