Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2019
250. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if all persons voting will be required to subscribe to and-or be in possession of a public services card in the context of proposals to modernise the electoral registration process; if persons will have to consent to data sharing between Departments and-or local authorities in order to vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8641/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2017 the Government determined that work should commence on modernisation of the voter registration process. In addition to meeting the objective to modernise the registration process generally, the Government was also cognisant of the possible need to register voters resident outside the State in the event that a referendum on extending the franchise in Presidential elections is passed.
The modernisation project will include consideration of wider policy and legislative changes. There will be an initial focus on a series of proposals including those made by the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht in its report on the consultation it carried out on the proposed Electoral Commission in 2016. The proposals currently under consideration include an optional online registration process in parallel with the existing paper based system; the creation of a unique identifier for individuals; proportionate and limited data sharing between public bodies, essentially to improve the accuracy and timeliness of changes to the register information, e.g. in respect of those who are deceased. It is not envisaged that individuals will require a public services card (PSC) to engage in the registration process; however, if an individual wishes to engage through an optional online registration system, there will, of course be requirements in terms of identity verification and the PSC may be selected to meet requirements in this respect.
Conscious of the importance of the register and its role in our democracy and the need to ensure security and integrity are key priorities for any changes being considered, significant consultation is planned to engage all stakeholders, including registration authorities, the political system at all levels and the public.
An initial technical consultation with franchise teams in local authorities was completed in September 2018 and the constructive inputs received informed the further development of proposals which have now been put to a public consultation which is due to end March 15 this year. This consultation will offer an opportunity to all relevant stakeholders and the public to contribute. Details of the consultation are available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/public-consultation-proposals-modernise-electoral-registration-process.
