Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2015
1016. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the Electoral Act 1992 and voting rights in respect of the emigrant population (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21311/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo be registered to vote a person must be ordinarily resident in a constituency. Provision is made in the Electoral Act 1992 for persons to be deemed to ordinarily resident if they intend to resume residence within eighteen months after giving it up. I have no plans to amend this provision generally. However it may be subject to consideration in the analysis that I am undertaking of the issues that would arise in the extension of the franchise at Presidential elections to citizens resident outside the State.
The Convention on the Constitution recommended in its Fifth Report that the Constitution be amended to give citizens resident outside the State the right to vote in Presidential elections. In considering a response to this recommendation the Government decided that it would be necessary to analyse the full range of issues that would arise in any significant extension of the franchise, before any decision could be made on the holding of a referendum. The Government acknowledges that such an extension of the franchise would be welcomed by many in the diaspora. However, it would be challenging to introduce and to manage, and a range of issues arise for analysis in that context, including policy, legal and practical issues. I am undertaking the necessary analysis in co-operation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Minister for Diaspora Affairs.
