Register of Electors Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2013

Thursday, 9 May 2013

Questions (144)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

144. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 162 of 1 May 2013, if, in accordance with electoral law, a local authority must allow a citizen change their name and address on the Register of Electors from English to Irish in view of the fact that Article 8.1 of Bunreacht na hÉireann states the Irish language as the national language is the first official language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21989/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The position regarding change of voter registration details from English to Irish is as set out in the reply to Question No.162 of 1 May 2013. Voters are given the opportunity to register in either Irish or English. If they register in English and subsequently wish to change their registration details to Irish, the opportunity to do so is provided for in the context of the annual corrections to the draft register.