Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 1

Written Answers. - Register of Electors.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

315 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the current measures which are in place to inform a non-resident taking up residence here of his or her rights to vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18824/01]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

316 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the action he will take to inform members of the general public of the procedures involved in putting their names on the register of electors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18825/01]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

317 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures which were taken prior to the close of the supplementary register of electors for the Nice treaty referendum to inform the general public of their entitlement to register; the plans he has to ensure people are aware of this right in the future prior to the close of the supplementary register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18826/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 315 to 317, inclusive, together.

Every person ordinarily resident in the State on 1 September preceding the coming into force of a register of electors on 15 February is entitled to be registered as an elector. The compilation and publication of the register is a matter for each registration authority and involves the carrying out of house-to-house or other local inquiries and in many cases delivering registration forms, with notes on eligibility criteria, to households for completion. The draft register is published on 1 November and is made available for examination at post offices, public libraries, Garda stations, courthouses and local authority offices up to 25 November. Advertising campaigns at national and local levels are undertaken by the Department and registration authorities during this period inviting the public to check the draft to make sure they are correctly registered. The final register is published on 1 February and comes into force for a year on 15 February.

In relation to the referendums held on 7 June last, the latest date for receipt of applications from persons seeking to be included in the supplement was 21 May 2001. Advertising was undertaken by the Department to publicise the facility, including the latest date for receipt of applications. I intend to continue with these arrangements for future polls. In addition, as with all aspects of electoral law, I will keep them under ongoing review.