James Leonard
Question:151 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for the Environment the EU member states who have weekend voting in national elections; and if he has considered introducing weekend voting in Ireland. [15035/95]
Written Answers. - Weekend Voting.
I understand it is the practice to have weekend voting at elections in all EU states other than Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and this country. Under our electoral law, the polling day at each election or referendum is appointed by order made by 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 for taking the poll. While it has been the practice to hold elections and referenda on a Thursday, the poll at the forthcoming referendum will be taken on Friday, 24 November. The question of weekend voting is one of a number of electoral matters which I have referred for consideration to the Select Committee on Finance and General Affairs.