Vol. 560 No. 3
125 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the position in regard to his review of the Electoral Acts; the specific provisions being reviewed; when he expects the review to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2373/03]
While the various electoral Acts are under continuous review, I intend to put in train a specific review of the operation of Parts 4 and 5 of the Electoral Act 1997. Since its enactment, the 1997 Act has been amended on a number of occasions. In addition, the Acts provisions have now been used at all elections covered by the Act, including the general election in May 2002. It is therefore opportune to review its provisions following experience gained at the various elections. I have also asked the Standards in Public Office Commission for a report on the commission's views on the operation of the Acts provisions at the general election. I expect the review to be completed in the second half of the year.
