Clause 17 - Electoral identity cards

Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 9:45 am ar 16 Gorffennaf 2013.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

Photo of Mike Penning Mike Penning The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office

In Northern Ireland, photographic evidence is required for electoral registration. At the moment, the penalty for giving false information on identity is not the same as giving a false home address. That will be married up to make a similar offence for both. If someone commits one type of fraud, they will find that the penalty will be the same for electoral registration and applying for proof of identity. Clause 17 intends to close a loophole by making it a serious offence for a person to indicate fraudulently that they are not who they are.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 17 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.