A bill which would see the people of the islands voting on the same day as the mainland in future elections has received the approval of the government.
The Electoral Amendment Bill was brought forward by Galway West TD Éamon Ó CuÃv to end the practice of the island voting in the midweek in elections and referendums.
It received the backing of the government to be advanced to the next stage at a cabinet meeting today.
Before it could progress any further the bill had to wait for a money message from the Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform.
The bill will still have to pass through the Dáil and Seanad before it becomes law.
But Deputy Ó CuÃv has expressed optimism that if it is not delayed then same day voting could be in place in time for the local and European elections in May.
