Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 March 2026
998. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 645 of 20 January 2026, the reasons why he has no plans to propose amendments to the provisions referred to; whether he has relied on any research or reports in forming this view; to outline any such research or reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18450/26]
View answerAs set out in the reply to Question No. 645 of 20 January 2026, electoral law provides that a presiding officer may, at his or her own discretion, or if required by a personation agent present in the polling station, require any person attending to vote to produce one of the specified documents as evidence of identity. If he or she fails to produce the document or if the presiding officer is not satisfied that the person concerned is the person to whom the document produced relates, the person shall not be permitted to vote. The documents which may be accepted are prescribed in regulation 2(b) of the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024.
The Manual for Presiding Officers, prepared by my Department for each electoral event, advises presiding officers to seek evidence of identity:
• whenever requested by a personation agent present in the polling station;
• whenever the presiding officer suspects that a person is attempting to commit personation; and
• in the case of 25% of the persons attending to vote selected at random throughout the day.
The purpose of the requirement regarding evidence of identity is to strengthen the safeguards against the offence of personation, particularly against the possibility that the offence may be attempted on a widespread and organised basis. It is not intended that the provision would be so operated as to prevent qualified electors voting.
In 2023, the Government established An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the independent electoral commission. An Coimisiún's research, advisory and public information function sees the commission conduct research on electoral policy and procedure. An Coimisiún is also empowered to advise and make recommendations to the Government in relation to any proposals for legislative change, or any other policy matters concerning electoral policy or procedures. In addition, section 68 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides for the preparation and publication of a post electoral event review (PEER) by An Coimisiún following any electoral event. To date, the PEERs published by An Coimisiún have not contained any recommendations in relation to the evidence of identity requirements set out in electoral law.
