Vol. 241 No. 3
asked the Minister for Local Government the position of people in this country regarding voting in general or other elections when they are not citizens of other countries but when they are drawing pensions or social welfare benefits or widows' pensions from other countries.
39.
asked the Minister for Local Government if citizens of other countries, particularly the USA, have the right to vote in general and other elections in this country; and if they lose their citizenship by voting here.
I propose with your permission a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.
The Constitution reserves to Irish citizens the right to vote at Dáil and Presidential elections and referenda. A citizen of the USA, or of any other country, who also holds Irish citizenship would, therefore, be entitled to have his name entered in the normal way on the register of electors and to vote at such elections. There is no citizenship requirement for entitlement to vote at local elections.
The loss of citizenship of other countries by persons voting at elections here would be a matter for the authorities of the countries concerned. I understand, however, that a citizen of the USA who votes at elections in this country does not lose his American citizenship on that account. The drawing of pensions, social welfare benefits or widows' pensions from other countries would not affect a person's right to vote in this country.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
