Housing Minister James Browne has said he has “no plans at present” to require photographic ID for all voters in Irish elections.
In response to a parliamentary question this week, the Fianna Fáil Minister said that current electoral laws provide a “discretion” to presiding officers to request identification at polling stations.
“While electoral law is kept under review, I have no plans at present to amend these provisions,” Browne said.
The Minister was responding to queries regarding Ireland’s status as one of only three European Union member states that do not mandate photo ID for all voters.
“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,” Browne said.
“It is not intended that the provision would be so operated as to prevent qualified electors voting.”
The Minister explained that presiding officers are advised to seek evidence of identity whenever they suspect personation or when requested by a personation agent.
“In exercising his or her discretion in regard to seeking evidence of identity from a random selection of persons attending to vote, the presiding officer should request a minimum of 25% of the electors,” Browne said.
“Particular attention should be paid at rush hours when it is most likely that personation would be attempted.”
An Independent TD has questioned whether it is acceptable for Ireland to remain an “outlier” compared to other western democracies.
Offaly TD Carol Nolan asked the Minister if he was aware that 24 of the 27 EU member states require photographic ID to be produced by all voters.
“Is it acceptable for Ireland to be one of three outliers who do not have such a requirement?” Nolan said, asking what are the plans “to amend the law to bring Ireland in line with virtually all other western democracies in this regard”.
Under current regulations, voters may be asked to produce documents such as a passport, driving licence, employee identity card, or student ID. Other forms of identification, such as a birth certificate or credit card, may also be accepted if accompanied by a document establishing the holder’s address in the constituency.