asked the Minister for Local Government what are the penalties for the offence of personation at local elections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Penalties for Personation at Local Elections.
10.
Mr. Ryan
The penalties for personation at local elections are set out in Section 6 of the Prevention of Electoral Abuses Act, 1923, as adapted by article 19 of the Local Elections Order, 1942.
Briefly, they are, on summary conviction, imprisonment, with or without hard labour, for a term of not less than two months in the case of a first offence, or of not less than six months, in the case of a second or subsequent offence, subject in each case to a maximum term of twelve months' imprisonment. A fine not exceeding £100 may also be imposed.
On conviction or indictment for a second or subsequent offence, a person may be imprisoned, with or without hard labour, for a term of not less than six months and not more that twelve months, or be sent to penal servitude for a term of three years, and, in either case, be fined a sum not exceeding £200.
A person convicted is, during a period of seven years from the date of conviction, liable to certain additional penalties, including incapacity for voting at a local election, for being a member of a local authority or for holding any judicial office.
Is the Minister aware that there are at least 25,000 voters personated at every election, on an average of 300 or 400 a time, that the Garda do not act unless instructed by some agent and that, therefore, personation is wholesale? The proof of that is what happened in the last election. How many persons were imprisoned for personation in the last general election? The answer is "None". Personation is treated as a joke, and it as well that we should realise that. There were 500 personated at the last general election. It is a joke——
Order.
Judging by what the Deputy says some members of this House must have got in that way.
(Interruptions).