Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 7

Written Answers. - Voting Facilities for Disabled.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

87 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that grave offence has been taken by many physically disabled persons, of the requirement whereby, if they seek facility voting at home during any election a doctor has to certify that the applicant is of sound mind and capable of understanding the act of voting; if, in the circumstances, he will introduce legislation in the present session to delete the offending phrase in good time before the local elections in June 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline his proposals to improve the voting system for the disabled with particular reference to the need for medical certificates; the number and type of queries raised in the course of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 162 together.

As I indicated in reply to a question on 6 June 1990, an Electoral Bill is being framed which will deal, inter alia, with the special voting arrangement for disabled electors, particularly the requirement that applicants for inclusion in the special voters list must be certified as being of sound mind and capable of comprehending the act of voting.

The information which an applicant for entry in the special voters list is required to furnish to the registration authority is set out in the form prescribed in the Electoral Regulations, 1987.