Everyone in this House knows the merits of an independent permanent electoral commission: an increase in voter participation and in voter education, maintaining the electoral register and monitoring campaign finances among many other benefits. Is there an established timeframe for the legislation this will require or for the establishment of this body?

There is no timeframe for it. It is very much a long-term project. In the meantime local authorities will continue to manage the electoral register and the Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPOC, will continue to carry out its role.