Role of the Referendum Commission
The role of the Referendum Commission is to explain the subject matter of referendum proposals, to promote public awareness of the referendum and to encourage the electorate to vote at the poll. The Commission is an independent body. Since 2001 the Commission no longer has the role of putting the arguments for and against referendum proposals.
Membership of the Referendum Commission
The Commission is Chaired by a former member of the High Court or the Supreme Court or by a serving member of the High Court. The Chairman is appointed by the Chief Justice at the request of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. There are four ex officio members. They are:
- The Clerk of Dáil Éireann
- The Clerk of Seanad Éireann
- The Ombudsman
- The Comptroller and Auditor General
The Secretariat to the Commission is provided by the Office of the Ombudsman. The Commission is funded by the sponsoring Department of the relevant referendum proposal.
View the legislation that relates to the Commission.
View the policies adopted by the Referendum Commission in the maintenance of its website.
