The regulation of elections

An Coimisiún Toghcháin (the Electoral Commission) is the independent statutory body that oversees elections in Ireland.

Established on 9 February 2023, the make-up and functions of the Commission are set out in The Electoral Reform Act 2022.

An Coimisiún Toghcháin has replaced the Referendum Commission.

The functions of the Commission are set out in the Electoral Reform Act 2022, and include:

• Informing the public about referendums
• Reviewing constituencies and constituency boundaries for general, European and local elections
• Telling the public about how to vote and encouraging people to vote in referendums and elections
• Maintaining the Register of Political Parties
• Overseeing the management of Registers of Electors by local authorities
• Regulating online political advertising

Constituency review 2023

In August 2023, An Coimisiún Toghcháin published its review of Ireland's electoral constituencies. The report recommends that:

• The number of TDs in Dáil Eireann is increased to 174 (from 160)
• The number of Dáil constituencies is increased to 43 (from 39)

These changes will not take place without legislation. You can read the full report and its recommendations (pdf).

You can read more about An Coimisiún Toghcháin on its website.