Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 4

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Voting Rights for Emigrants.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

2 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment the reason a decision has not been made on the question of providing voting rights for emigrants in view of the specific commitment which was given in the Review of the Programme for Government that such a decision would be made by Christmas 1991; if the promised comprehensive paper on this topic has yet been brought before Government; when it is expected that the Government will make a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Peter Barry

Ceist:

54 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the current position of the study on emigrants and emigrants' rights which was proposed under the 1989 joint Fianna Fáil/ Progressive Democrats Programme for Government.

Proinsias De Rossa

Ceist:

166 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment if the Government have yet received the promised comprehensive paper on voting rights for emigrants; if it is intended to publish the paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Dr. O'Hanlon

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2, 54 and 166 together.

While it was not practicable to adhere to the time scale referred to in the programme for reaching a decison in this matter, it may be anticipated that the Goverment's position will be made known at an early date.

Mr. Gilmore

I am sure the Minister is aware that there is now a well organised campaign among Irish emigrants in the UK, the US, Australia and in other countries to secure voting rights. They will be very interested in getting more specific information from the Minister than he has given in his initial reply. In relation to the comprehensive paper which was promised in the revised Programme for Government, who is preparing that paper, at what stage is it, or have the Government received the paper? Since the revised Programme for Government committed the Government to making a decision on this matter before Christmas, what is the new target date by which the Government will have made a decision in relation to voting rights for emigrants?

Dr. O'Hanlon

A comprehensive paper was prepared by my predecessor and is before Government, as are a number of other issues to be addressed on what is a very complex matter.

Mr. Gilmore

I appreciate that many points were raised in relation to the practicalities of voting rights for emigrants. Have the Government accepted the principle that Irish emigrants should be entitled to vote in Irish elections?

Dr. O'Hanlon

It would be totally inappropriate for me to discuss further at this stage something which is before Government.

Mr. Gilmore

I am not asking the Minister to discuss the detail. It was fair for us to assume that, since the matter was included in the revised Programme for Government, the Government had accepted the principle that Irish emigrants should have the right to vote here. Do I detect from the Minister's reply that the Government are reneging on that principle or will he make a clear statement in relation to the principle?

Dr. O'Hanlon

I cannot prevent the Deputy from making assumptions.

Mr. Gilmore

We are not left with much option.

Dr. O'Hanlon

The issue will be addressed by Government. There are constitutional, legal and practical issues involved and these will be addressed conscientiously by the Government.

Mr. Gilmore

Does the Minister want to give them the vote?