Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
579. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, in the context of electoral reform, he could provide an update on the implementation of the programme for Government commitment to establish a fund to support political and electoral research by academics and researchers. [36028/23]
View answerThe Electoral Reform Act 2022, guided by the commitments in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future, provided for a number of fundamental reforms to our electoral system. These included the establishment on an independent electoral commission. An Coimisiún Toghcháin was established on 9 February 2023.
Chapter 9 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides for a research and advisory role for An Coimisiún. Under Section 64 of the Act, An Coimisiún may commission or conduct research on electoral policy and procedure with a view to making recommendations to the Minister and the Government, as it considers appropriate. Related to this, Section 65 provides that An Coimisiún will prepare an annual research programme and lay this before each House of the Oireachtas. When preparing its programme, it will consult with the Joint Oireachtas Committee, the Minister and any other person, as it considers appropriate. Section 66 of the Act details that An Coimisiún, when requested by the Minister, will advise and, as appropriate, make recommendations to the Government in relation to any proposals for legislative change, or any other policy matters concerning electoral policy or procedures.
In addition to the legislative provisions outlined above, Section 15 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 empowers An Coimisiún to establish committees. These committees may advise and assist An Coimisiún in the performance of any of its functions.
In fulfilling its research-related functions, it is a matter for An Coimisiún to determine how it supports political and electoral research by academia, researchers and others.
