Vol. 429 No. 1
53 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment whether an election has ever been held on a Saturday or Sunday; if not, the reason therefor; and his views on whether more people would have an opportunity of voting if elections took place on weekends.
So far as I am aware no election has been held in this country on a Saturday or Sunday. Under the Electoral Act, 1992, the polling day at each election and referendum falls to be appointed by order of the Minister for the Environment, in accordance with, and subject to the constraints specified in the particular electoral code. It is a matter for decision on each occasion which day of the week should be appointed.
It is not clear that more people would have an opportunity of voting if elections and referenda took place at weekends. Neither is it clear that voting at weekends would be the only way, or the best way, of facilitating those for whom the existing practice is not suitable.
