An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
Seanad Éireann — 2025-12-18
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Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (FF), Labour Panel

The issue I raise today is the register of electors. After every election, people say the register needs to be reviewed and updated but it never happens. There has not been any sizeable work done on it for years. People who have passed away are getting polling cards, which is obviously upsetting for families, especially if it is a recent bereavement. It is hard to get people off the register. We must remember these families are mourning and have an awful lot on their plates besides ringing the county hall to explain their case. Something needs to be done.
The register of electors also results in false figures for turnout because many of the people on it are deceased. There are duplicate and triplicate entries. When we hear turnout was a certain percentage it cannot be accurate. In the new year, I ask that we bring in the relevant Minister to talk about what can be done once and for all? I know there are two by-elections due but, other than that, the local elections are a good bit away, as is the general election, please God. Now is the time to do it.
I also wish everybody a happy Christmas. It is important that we all look out for each other over Christmas. It is not always a happy time. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2025-12-18/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:29+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-18