asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he has had any discussions with his EEC colleagues on the question of mutual voting rights for citizens of EEC countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Voting Rights.
212.
The question of reciprocal voting rights was raised in the context of direct elections to the European Parliament in June 1979 but no agreement was arrived at. As the Deputy will be aware Ireland accorded the right to vote in these elections to citizens of the other member states resident here subject to the usual conditions as regards eligibility to vote.
The possibility of granting reciprocal voting rights in local elections has been under consideration for some years in the context of the granting of "Special Rights" to citizens of the Community as envisaged in the final communique of the Paris Summit meeting on 9/10 December 1974.
The suggestion to grant reciprocal voting rights in local elections, to which Ireland has taken a positive attitude, presents serious difficulties for some member states. The question of granting reciprocal voting rights in national parliamentary elections has not been considered.
From inquiries I have made, and given the difficulties that have been encountered in regard to reciprocal voting rights in local elections, it would be premature at this stage to envisage Community action in regard to reciprocal voting rights in national parliamentary elections.