Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2024
290. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities will publish the specific address of political candidates; the actions his Department have taken to clarify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23956/24]
View answerUnder electoral law, a nomination paper must state the name, address and occupation (if any) of a candidate at a local election. A ballot paper must contain the name and description of the candidate standing nominated, as shown in the nomination paper. This requirement is intended as a means of identifying a candidate and ensuring the transparency of elections. In ruling on the validity of a nomination paper, the independent Returning Officer must, amongst other things, object to the description of a candidate which is, in his or her opinion, incorrect or insufficient to identify the candidate.
Guidance provided to Local Authority Returning Officers by my Department in advance of the upcoming local elections states that a candidate’s address need not necessarily relate to their residence but could, for example, refer to their place of business.
Article 50 of the Local Elections Regulations 1995 provides for the publication of a Notice of Poll as soon as practicable after the adjournment of an election for the purposes of the taking of a poll. The Notice of Poll must include, among other things, the names and descriptions of the candidates as given in their respective nomination papers.
During the Committee Stage debate on the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2023, the issue of the requirement for the address of a candidate on ballot papers was raised. During the debate, I highlighted that An Coimisiún Toghcháin had prepared its first draft research programme and was seeking the views of the Oireachtas, the public and other interested parties on its research priorities. In response to An Coimisiún's call for submissions I asked it to consider the issue of the address of candidates on ballot papers.
Changes to electoral law in respect of the issue would have regard to any recommendations made by An Coimisiún Toghcháin.
