asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he will state what action he proposes to take on the irregularity that is alleged to have occurred at the recent Corporation election in Wexford, when a nomination paper duly filled in on behalf of Patrick White, Carcur House, Wexford, was refused by the Returning Officer.
(CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS). (ORAL ANSWERS). - WEXFORD CORPORATION ELECTION.
A local election can only be questioned on petition. I have no jurisdiction to take action in the matter referred to by the Deputy.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that a grave irregularity is alleged to have occurred at the recent election for the Wexford Corporation, when the Returning Officer is stated to have refused to accept a nomination paper which was in order, in view of the provisions of Section 10 of the Representation of the People Act, 1918; whether he is satisfied that the allegation is correct; and, if so, whether he will state if, in the opinion of his Department, the election was valid.
This matter was brought to my notice. A Returning Officer at a local election has to decide questions arising at the election. Such decisions are not subject to review except on petition and by a court of competent jurisdiction. I am not therefore prepared to express any opinion in the case.
Will the Minister state whether he has inquired from the Returning Officer his reasons for refusing to accept this nomination?
I do not think so.