A long-promised permanent electoral commission moved a step closer after the Government approved the general scheme of a Bill to create an independent authority. It will be made up of commissioners with a broad range of experience and expertise, a number of whom will be chosen through an independent public selection process, and appointed by the President. The chairs of successive referendum commissions have also called for a permanent commission. Mr Phelan described the general scheme as a “blueprint for an effective and efficient independent electoral body”. The general scheme of the Bill now goes to the Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government for pre-legislative scrutiny after which a Bill will be drafted.

Source: The Irish Times December 30, 2019 00:00 UTC