asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the decision to hold the coming general election in mid-winter, he will state what steps he proposes to adopt to ensure that, if areas of the country are completely snowbound on polling day, voters will be enabled to reach the polling booths.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - General Election Polling.
Polling places which will afford the electors reasonable facilities for voting will be provided. It is not intended to make special provision against the contingency of adverse weather conditions.
Is the Minister aware that last winter vast areas of the country were completely isolated for four or five weeks? How does the Minister contemplate that a general election should be held under such conditions if no special provisions are made?
I assume the weather conditions will affect all Parties equally. Apart from that, last year's conditions were entirely abnormal and general elections have been held previously in this country in January and February.
Not even a snow-storm will keep you in office.
The Deputy is in great danger of being snowed under.
Is the Minister aware that during the years when general elections were held in mid-winter we were passing through what was a cycle of abnormally mild winters, that is, in 1931, 1932 and 1933? At present we appear to be passing through a cycle of abnormally severe winters. Perhaps the School of Cosmic Physics might be able to throw some light on the subject.
The Deputy must have been out of this country during the general election in 1933.