Register of Electors Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2013

Thursday, 10 October 2013

Questions (152)

Heather Humphreys

Question:

152. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider using personal public service number information when compiling the register of electors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42976/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority – city and county councils. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register. This is done on an ongoing basis in accordance with the electoral acts. There is no provision for linking the electoral register to PPS numbers.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an Electoral Commission to subsume functions of existing bodies and my Department, including positions in respect of the electoral register. Matters associated with the registration process, including linking the register to PPS numbers, would be appropriate for consideration by the Electoral Commission.