asked the Minister for the Environment if it is intended to hold (i) European elections, (ii) local authority elections, (iii) urban or borough elections and (iv) a referendum on adoption on 7 June 1979; and if so, if there will be sufficient ballot boxes to record such decisions, or if it is intended to use multi-coloured ballot papers in the event of there not being sufficient ballot boxes; and if he considers such a move to be in keeping with the decision already taken in relation to the time of counting of votes in the European elections.
Written Answers. - Election Ballot Papers.
203.
As already announced it is intended that the direct elections to the European Assembly and the local elections will be held on 7 June 1979. In regard to the question of a referendum on the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution (Adoption) Bill, 1978 I would refer the Deputy to the reply by the Taoiseach to a question on 7 February. The law requires that where two or more polls are taken on the same day the ballot papers at each poll shall be of a different colour. The Act annexed to the EEC Council Decision of 20 September 1976 provides that the counting of votes may not begin until after the close of polling in all the member states. The administrative arrangements for the holding of the elections, including the arrangements in relation to the provision of ballot boxes are being considered in consultation with returning officers.