Electoral Register

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2019

Tuesday, 26 February 2019

Ceisteanna (641)

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

641. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when voter registration forms will be amended to allow for United Kingdom citizens who hold citizenship of a European Union member state to be able to register as Dáil Éireann and European Parliament voters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9212/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

Under electoral law registration authorities are required to publish the register of electors on 1 February each year with the register coming into force on 15 February. The register currently comprises four categories of electors: Presidential elector, Dáil elector, European elector and Local Government elector. A person's citizenship determines their category on the register and the elections and referendums at which they may vote.

Changes to a person's status on the register, including citizenship status, following the publication of the register can be accommodated by way of application by the person to the relevant registration authority for inclusion on the supplement to the register of electors in advance of any polls.

A public consultation on proposals to modernise the Electoral Registration Process is underway currently, with proposals being examined that offer a number of ways to make the registration process more responsive to the needs of a modern democracy. These issues will be analysed and the content used to inform the preparation of detailed implementation and legislative proposals.