Electoral commission publication
Deputy Adams noted the long-promised electoral commission was still not in the priority legislation list and pointed to upcoming electoral changes. The Minister said it will be published this term.
In July, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government announced that work was commencing on an electoral commission. Despite the fact that an electoral commission has been promised since 2006 and was recommended by a joint Oireachtas committee in 2016, it is not part of the Government's priority legislation for publication. The Taoiseach has indicated that four by-elections will take place at the end of November, the Government has also published a Bill for a referendum for extending voting rights in presidential elections and there will be a general election as soon as Deputy Micheál Martin stops supporting the Government so the establishment of an electoral commission would be an important step in modernising an outdated system and maximising citizens' participation. Will the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government tell us when the general scheme of an electoral commission Bill will be published?
