asked the Minister for the Environment if he will extend the postal vote to persons who by reason of age or incapacity are unable to cast their votes at polling stations.
21.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Postal Vote.
20.
Mr. Cosgrave
asked the Minister for the Environment if consideration has been given to the possibility of allowing postal voting facilities for disabled persons in Dáil and local elections.
22.
asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the prospect of elections in the Republic in 1981, which has been designated the International Year of the Disabled, he will agree to make particular arrangements for the provision of postal votes for disabled electors; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 21 and 22 together.
I have no proposals at present to extend facilities for postal voting at Dáil, Presidential and European Assembly elections and at referenda. Extended postal voting facilities are available at local elections under the Local Elections (Postal Voting) Regulations, 1974. So far as the disabled are concerned. I am asking returning officers to bear their needs specifically in mind in the selection of polling stations. I am advising them to ensure that every polling station is situated at ground-floor level and that temporary ramps to facilitate access of persons in wheelchairs are provided wherever necessary.
Deputies are, I am sure, aware of the provisions in the electoral law under which blind and incapacitated electors may be assisted in voting by the presiding officer or by a companion.
Is the Minister aware that these questions have been put down in response to representations made by the disabled groups' representatives? Can he consider giving precise instructions to returning officers to select, particularly in urban constituencies, one polling station where facilities for the disabled can be properly provided and that this information will be directly communicated to the organisations in advance of the election?
As I have already said I am advising returning officers to ensure that every polling station is situated at ground floor level and that temporary ramps to facilitate access by persons in wheelchairs will be provided wherever necessary.