(Dublin North-Central): asked the Minister for the Environment the number of non-nationals permanently resident in this country who are not entitled to vote in Dáil elections; and if the Government intend to introduce voting rights for such persons in time for the next general election.

26.

asked the Minister for the Environment if it is intended to extend the franchise in general elections to (a) British citizens permanently resident in the State; and (b) citizens of other EEC countries permanently resident in the State.

27.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make provision to enable persons who are permanently resident in Ireland but who are not Irish citizens to vote in Dáil elections.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 26 and 27 together. The Government have decided to extend voting rights at Dáil elections to British citizens resident in Ireland. The necessary legislation is being prepared by my Department and will be brought before the Dáil at the earliest opportunity. I am having the question of extending such voting rights to citizens of other countries resident here examined. The number of non-nationals on the current register of electors who are not entitled to vote at Dáil elections is 20,415.