To ask the Minister for Local Government whether he is prepared to recommend the setting up of a Commission to advise as to changes in Electoral Law consequent on the adoption of adult suffrage?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - CHANGES IN ELECTORAL LAW.
LIAM O BRIAIN
MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Mr. E. Blythe)
The new Electoral Law will be devised for the purpose of giving effect to the franchise resolutions of the 19th September last. It will deal with the necessary consequential adaptation and codification of the existing law, which is at present contained in a series of British Acts. The re-arrangement of constituencies and rules for the carrying out of elections conformably to the constitution will also be dealt with. These matters are mostly noncontroversial, but in the necessary drafting, care will be taken to consult the views of those whose experience of elections is likely to be of assistance, and there will be ample opportunity in the Dáil for the discussion of all alterations proposed. It is not considered that a Commission is required for the foregoing purposes, and it might cause needless delay. At a later stage when the jurisdiction of the various new Courts will have been settled the question of corrupt and illegal practices at elections will be dealt with in special legislation, and it is recognised that it will be necessary to avail of a Commission to advise as to the important issues which will be involved in dealing with that branch of the law.
LIAM O BRIAIN
May I ask if this Bill will be introduced immediately, and may I take it that those specially qualified persons are now being consulted?
Mr. E. BLYTHE
The various persons have been and are being consulted.