THE Government has decided to put some technical sections of the Electoral Bill into effect by ministerial order in the autumn. The new provisions, however, will not cover State funding of candidates during the forthcoming election.
The Cabinet decided last week that the public disclosure of donations of more than £4,000 to political parties and £500 to candidates would come into operation in the general election. Parties and candidates will not be required to disclose such money, property or services received, however, until the Public Offices Commission is established by the end of next February.
The technical provisions approved at yesterday's meeting include the establishment of the Constituencies Commission on a statutory basis and the provision of postal voting for persons unable, for personal or work reasons, to vote at polling stations.
It has also been decided to publish a supplement to the voters register to include persons reaching 18 years of age during the currency of the register and persons who weren't ordinarily resident at an address for example, because they moved house on the qualification date.
A free copy of the register will be provided to each TD and Senator at the time of a referendum.
The Government intends to bring these technical provisions into effect in time for the presidential elections in the autumn and the referendum on Cabinet confidentiality, which is now expected to be held on the same day.