Darragh O'Brien

The Electoral Reform Bill — intended to “bring about the development, modernisation and reform of Ireland’s electoral system, structures and processes” — was passed in the Dáil yesterday, following its passage through the Seanad last week.

The recruitment of members and a chief executive for the Electoral Commission will “follow shortly”, the government said.

Darragh O’Brien, minister for housing, local government and heritage, said: “This Electoral Reform Bill is a substantive milestone in the evolution of our electoral system, and I am immensely proud of it. It is a fundamental strengthening of our electoral system and processes. It will make them more streamlined, effective, inclusive and resilient into the future.

“Critically, it builds new independent capacity within the electoral system to assess itself. This Bill represents reform that is both structured and structural.”

Malcolm Noonan, minister of state for heritage and electoral reform, added: “As our society evolves, and the way we live changes, it is important that our electoral system evolves with it.

“This Electoral Reform Bill will ensure that our democratic structures and processes continue to be accessible and responds to the reality of how we live our lives.

“I am enthused about this bill and, as minister with responsibility for electoralreform, I look forward to ensuring that its many elements are brought to fruition as soon as is possible.”