121. Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when will an electoral commission be established; and the functions envisaged. [28687/14]

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an Electoral Commission to subsume functions of existing bodies and my Department. It is intended that the necessary policy analysis and preparatory work for the presentation of options in relation to the establishment of an Electoral Commission will be advanced in 2014. This will involve detailed and considered work. Issues for consideration will include international best practice, the Commission's structure and functions, who it reports to, its relationship with other bodies currently involved in electoral administration, and the approach to be followed in relation to the extensive legislation that will be required, as well as practical matters including staffing and funding arrangements.