asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that a number of unused ballot papers, such as were issued in connection with the constituency of County Dublin at the General Election held in September last, were found in a drain in Blackrock after the conclusion of the Poll, and if so, whether he has requested any explanation from the Returning Officer for County Dublin as to how these papers had ceased to remain under his control, and as to why they had not been returned to the Clerk of the Dáil, in accordance with the requirements of the Electoral Act, 1923.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CO. DUBLIN BALLOT PAPERS.
SEAN Mac an tSAOI
I am aware of the matter mentioned by the Deputy. It was the subject of immediate investigation, but as the unused papers in question were never issued to any Presiding Officer it was not incumbent on the Returning Officer to send them to the Clerk of the Dáil.
Is it a fact then that ballot papers over and above the actual number required may be printed, but are not returnable to the Clerk of the Dáil, so that the Returning Officer may have ballot papers in his possession for which he need not account?
The Returning Officer may make provision for a surplus of ballot papers in the case of emergency.
If so, are not these returnable under the terms of the Statute—that is the point?
No.
Can the Returning Officer have ballot papers in his possession for which he need not account, and does that explain some of the Government majorities?
That question need not be answered.
On a ——
No, no; that question is not to be answered. Deputy Mullins.