A cross-party group of TDs and senators is to look at reforming elections in Ireland, it was revealed today.
The committee has been asked to examine whether polling could be radically overhauled to create a more inclusive and effective Dáil.
Politicians will spend several months examining whether TDs are too preoccupied with local issues and if the election system is fit for purpose.
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitution will also examine whether the voting age should be dropped from 18 to 16.
Chairman Sean Ardagh said: “It is clear to us as politicians that we need to do more to remedy the disengagement of segments of the population from the democratic process.
“That disengagement is the principal theme that will be highlighted throughout our review.”
Other areas the committee has been asked to examine include whether proportional representation, which allows voters to select candidates in order of preference, is working.
The need for new constituency boundaries, improving the voter register and examining the diversity of the Dáil will also be on the agenda.
PA