Electoral register reform
Deputy Dessie Ellis asked whether the forthcoming electoral commissions Bill would include online registration, PPS numbers and a timetable for introduction. The Minister said reform work was under way and public consultation would take place in the autumn.
The electoral commissions Bill is due in the near future. We are told that legislation is required for online registrations in order to bring us in line with other European countries. For many years we have had controversy over registrations for elections, which made it difficult for ordinary people. Will online registrations be included in this Bill? Will the use of PPS numbers be considered? When is it intended to introduce this Bill?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for his question. Work is being done in respect of the reform of the electoral register currently.
There will be public consultation in the autumn to hear the views of the public regarding how we can improve the service and perhaps move it away from being administered by each local authority to being administered at national level. The Deputy can input his views during the consultation.