Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
338. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason a person is required to provide a PPS number for the voting register; how this information is processed; and whether failure to provide a PPS number will result in removal from the electoral register. [2443/24]
View answer342. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rationale for requesting a date of birth and PPS number when registering people to vote. [2489/24]
View answer343. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm that it will not be obligatory to provide a PPS number and date of birth information to vote or to register to vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2496/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 338, 342 and 343 together.
Local authorities, in their capacity as registration authorities, are responsible for the management and maintenance of the electoral register. Under the Electoral Act 1992 registration authorities have always had the power to seek any information they required for the purposes of maintaining the register. The Electoral Reform Act 2022 added explicitly that this could include, in respect of a person’s own registration, a PPSN, date of birth and Eircode.
The use of PPSNs allows the local authority to undertake an identity data cross-check via a secure link with the Department of Social Protection to confirm identity details provided. This checks that the name, date of birth, PPSN and nationality provided are consistent and match a single individual. This has enabled a much streamlined application process, including an online application process as most people no longer need to have their forms certified, as was the case in the past. Use of PPSNs also has longer term practical uses whereby local authorities can confirm Death Events ensuring that people can be removed in a timely manner and any duplication on the register can be more effectively managed.
A paper form and an in-person identity check remain available to those who do not have or do not wish to provide their PPSN. PPSNs are used in the registration process only, they will not be sought at polling stations on polling day.
The information requested in respect of electoral registration is required to establish voting eligibility:
• date of birth is required as a person needs to be over 18 to vote;
• nationality determines which types of electoral events a person is eligible for;
• address is required as a person must be resident to vote. Including Eircode ensures the accuracy of address information on the register; and
• additional contact details are sought to enable faster communication by local authorities in relation to applications. An email address is required to use the online process.
As part of ongoing and longer term work to improve the data quality of the register everyone is being asked to check and either confirm or update their information; they can do this online by adding their PPSN and date of birth if they haven't already done so. This further helps to ensure that only eligible people are registered to vote and that the register is kept up to date. Where a local authority cannot confirm an entry on the register, and if it considers it necessary to ensure a complete and accurate register to remove a name from the register, the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provided for a specific process requiring three documented attempts at contact and clear information on how to engage.
In terms of upcoming polls, everyone eligible and registered to vote at an upcoming poll will not need to provide additional information to remain on the register and will receive a polling card as normal; no further action is required at this time. I would encourage people to check to make sure that they are registered to vote at www.checktheregister.ie if based outside Dublin or at www.voter.ie if based in Dublin.
