asked the Minister for Local Government when he will be in a position to make a statement on the effect of the new regulations regarding postal votes.
4.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Postal Votes.
3.
asked the Minister for Local Government the number of postal votes applied for and granted in respect of the local elections this year; and if he is satisfied that the same postal voting facilities should apply in future elections.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.
I have asked returning officers to furnish certain statistical information in relation to postal voting at the local elections. The information has not yet been received from all areas. The postal voting system is being reviewed in the light of experience at the local elections.
Would the Minister not agree that in the light of the experience of the local elections it would be advisable to make more time available for people to apply for the postal vote? In the last local elections people had to apply within a matter of two or three days. Would the Minister not agree that a longer period should be given?
No, I do not agree. People had quite a long time to send in the votes. At a general election it would not be possible to give much longer time. However, the matter is under review and I can assure the Deputy there will be a number of changes. Incidentally, I would ask for suggestions in writing from any Deputies who would like to see some changes. I shall be very glad to take cognisance of their views.
Is the Minister satisfied with the operation of the postal vote generally?
That is rather a difficult question. In the areas I know well it seemed to work satisfactorily. However, I received complaints from places such as Cork where the system did not work so well.
Surely the Minister could not be satisfied with the operation of the scheme? It was wide open to abuse. Would the Minister not consider that the receipt for the vote should be witnessed as well as the application for the vote? Local authorities are not handwriting experts.
I accept the Deputy's assurance that things were not all right in Galway also. I consider it will be necessary to tighten up considerably on the arrangements but I should not like to say at present what should be done.
Another gimmick that backfired.
A few Fianna Fáil people got postal votes.