§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures he proposes to enable citizens of countries who will be admitted to European Union membership in April 2004 and who are resident in Northern Ireland to be admitted to the franchise in time for the European elections in June 2004; and if he will make a statement. [132695]
§ Jane KennedyThe Local and European Parliamentary Elections (Registration of Citizens of Accession States) Regulations 2003 and the Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2003 were introduced earlier this year in time for the annual electoral registration canvass. These regulations permit citizens of states due to accede to the European Union next year who are resident in Northern Ireland to register to vote in local government and European parliamentary elections to be held on or after 1 May 2004.