The Environment Minister Alan Kelly - who has responsibility for the electoral register - says it will be accurate for the upcoming general election.

Last week, an investigation by Newstalk established that the electoral register for the upcoming general election is massively overstated by a minimum of half a million people, leaving huge potential for fraud on polling day.

A comparison of the electoral register with the latest census population figures shows there are more than 488,000 too many people entitled to vote – an overstating of the register by 15%.

According to the most recent census, the number of people aged 18 and over in the country entitled to vote – i.e. Irish and British citizens resident in Ireland - is 3,023,025.

However, in last year’s same-sex marriage referendum there were 3,221,681 voting cards issued despite the electorate being restricted to Irish citizens.

That means that a minimum of 200,000 too many people were registered to vote – primarily due to people being on the register for multiple addresses or those who emigrated remaining on the register, Newstalk's Odran Flynn reported.

Speaking to Newstalk Lunchtime, Minister Kelly said: "We're very confident that the roll will be up to the standard required as regards to the general election".

"I certainly would question the figures - I believe that we will have a very comprehensive electoral register, done to the best of the ability of the people who do that work".