Electoral Process

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2020

Tuesday, 29 September 2020

Ceisteanna (386)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

386. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to amend section 62 of the Electoral Act 1992, which was found to be incompatible with Article 16.3.2 of the Constitution during the 2020 general election 2020, when the death of a candidate in the Tipperary constituency required the signing of a special difficulty order to allow the election to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26756/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future sets out a range of commitments in relation to electoral reform.  My Department is currently advancing this electoral reform agenda and this will include bringing forward legislative proposals where necessary. The issues that arose in relation to the operation of section 62 of the Electoral Act 1992 at the Dáil election in February 2020 are being considered in this context.