The Government has launched a public consultation on the establishment of an Electoral Commission.

An Oireachtas Committee published a report in January 2016 on the establishment of a commission.

The report contains a series of recommendations and functions which should be assigned to it including independence, membership and accountability mechanisms.

The main purpose of an electoral commission would be to drive forward reforms that would address issues identified with electoral administration and policy, and bring co-ordination to policy and operational matters to improve the administration of elections.

Launching the public consultation, Minister Eoghan Murphy said: "While there is significant public trust in our electoral system, the establishment of an independent electoral commission will build on that trust and help bring about better cohesion and coordination to the electoral system thereby improving the administration of elections."

The public can find information on the proposals and give their views here

People can also give their views by e-mail to: electoralcommission@housing.gov.ie or by post to: Electoral Commission Consultation, Franchise Section, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Custom House, Dublin 1, D01 W6X0.

The deadline is Friday March 15th 2019.