Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Register of Electors.

Jim Mitchell

Ceist:

481 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, in consideration of personal security, special arrangements could be made for persons who are members or former members of the Garda Síochána or Defence Forces who hold or have held security positions to register on the Register of Electors in a name other than their real name; if his attention has been drawn to concerns that a number of such public servants may not have registered to vote because of the dangers they feel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8907/02]

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

Members of the Defence Forces must be registered as postal voters and may register at their barracks or home address. Under arrangements provided for in the Electoral Act, 1992, on which prior consultations took place with the Garda Representative Association, members of the Garda Síochána are entitled to apply for entry on the postal voters list or to opt for registration in the normal way at the address where they ordinarily reside.

While I have not been made aware of the concerns referred to in the question, this is a matter that will be kept under review.