Jim O'Keeffe
Question:87 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment whether guidelines are issued by his Department on the conduct of elections and referenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Vol. 419 No. 5
87 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment whether guidelines are issued by his Department on the conduct of elections and referenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Returning officers are independent, statutory officials charged with the duty of conducting elections and referenda in accordance with the law. It is, however, the long-standing practice of my Department to issue guidelines to returning officers to assist them in their conduct of elections and referenda. I understand that returning officers regard this practice as a useful support service.