Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 4

Written Answers. - Voter Turnout.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

19 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, he will take to promote greater voter turnout at the local and European elections in view of the generally declining poll at recent elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6172/99]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 685 of 27 January 1999, I have taken a number of measures, which I believe will help to facilitate a high turnout at this year's local and European elections. With a view to maximising turnout I announced in 1998 that the local elections will be held in conjunction with the European elections on Friday, 11 June 1999. By giving advance notice of the polling day, greater awareness of the elections has been generated. In addition, a publicity campaign took place in November 1998 advising persons to check the draft 1999/2000 register of electors and highlighting the fact the register will be used for this year's elections. I also intend to publicise the facility of the supplement to the register of electors whereby people can make late applications up to mid-May 1999 to be registered to vote at the June 1999 elections.

Earlier, this year I attended a media seminar organised by the European Parliament Office in Dublin to publicise the European elections at which I stressed the critical role the television, radio and print media will play over the coming months in informing the public. I am hopeful that a vigorous campaign by the political parties and the candidates together with a well informed media debate on the issues will go some way towards facilitating a good turnout in both elections.