asked the Minister for Justice whether, in view of the fact that members of the Garda Síochána are entitled to the right of franchise in local elections, he will take steps to ensure that they are facilitated in the exercise of this right in the coming elections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda: Right of Franchise.
Instructions have been issued by the Commissioner that members of the Garda Síochána who wish to vote at local elections are to be facilitated as far as possible.
Would the Minister state if there has been any alteration in the procedure regarding the voting by members of the Garda Síochána at local elections? Is it a fact that in previous years the advice given by the authorities was that the franchise should not be exercised by the Gardaí? Has that been altered?
We have altered it now and the Commissioner has given instructions. We have also had agreement with the Minister for Local Government that a transfer vote will be handed to the Guard by the presiding officer. He can vote in the polling station if it is in his electoral area, where he is on duty, the same as is given to a presiding officer.
On a point of order. I would like to ask the Minister this: Are we to understand that this is in accordance with the law or is it a private arrangement between the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Local Government?
It is according to democratic rules. There is nothing depriving the Guard of his vote in an urban or county council election.
Do you object to the Guards having a vote?
So far as I am concerned, yes.
They always had votes at these elections.
I think it is time Parties in this House stood for the people, not for the servants of the people.
Up to the present the Guards had the right to vote at county council or urban elections. Many of them did not exercise it. They were prevented by some order of a superintendent. Now, if any Guard wishes to exercise his vote, permission is being granted and he can use his vote. If he is transferred from the area of the particular ward, the presiding officer can, under the regulations, give a transfer vote, the same as is given to a presiding officer or a polling officer, so long as it is in the electoral area where he has a vote.
That is very interesting. I would like to ask the Minister for Justice this: Is it not a fact that at the last general election a considerable number of public servants voted for the Coalition? Is this an attempt to drive other public servants? Are they going to run this State?
Not in my county anyway; the officials did not vote for me.
The Guards are not on the voting list anywhere.
They always were.
Look at it again.
Look at Division III of the register.
They are not on our county register.
Will the position be that a Garda in the forthcoming election can now vote in the booth to which he is assigned for duty?
Provided it is in the electoral area.
If he gets a transfer from the presiding officer he has the power.
How much will you give him for it? The Attorney-General promised him £20 for it in the last election.
Did the Ceann Comhairle hear the last remark about how much did he give him for it?
Yes.
That is something that should not be used in this House.
Oh dear!
It should not be allowed to pass.
What about the several million pounds the Attorney-General promised also?