Irish Presidential Voting Referendum nears

Sinn Féin Louth TD Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in the Dáil about the planned referendum on Presidential Voting Rights he has announced.

In his response the Taoiseach said that he expects to have the Bill in the Dáil for second stage before the recess in July. This is necessary if the referendum is to be held in October/November.

Teachta Varadkar also said that citizens would register online to vote and would cast their vote by postage.

Speaking afterwards, Teachta Adams said: “On Tuesday the Cabinet approved the Bill to hold a referendum on Presidential Voting Rights. This referendum will allow for the extension of voting rights in Presidential elections for citizens living outside of this State, including citizens living in the North. That is a very welcome development."

Adams added: "At a time when the British Home Office is disputing the right of Irish citizens in the North to be recognised as Irish citizens, this is a crucially important piece of legislation. 

It is the norm in other States that people living outside the State would have vote in elections. This is a sensible and inclusive action and I think that all of us should be calling for a YES vote."

Adams continued: "In his response the Taoiseach confirmed that the legislation was agreed by Cabinet yesterday and that he expects to have it in the Dáil for second stage before the recess in July.

This is necessary if the referendum is to be held in October/November. An Taoiseach acknowledged that there is no set date yet because the legislation has to be passed through the Oireachtas."