Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 5

Written Answers. - Elections and Referenda.

Tom Enright

Question:

191 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to resolve the problem of unstamped ballot papers at elections; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that approximately 270 ballot papers were unstamped in the Ferbane electoral area, County Offaly, effectively disenfranchising voters who had exercised their democratic right; the further plans, if any, he has to ensure that similar situations will not arise in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15994/99]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The conduct of elections and referenda is, under electoral law, a matter for the appropriate returning officer. To assist returning officers in their duties at the recent polls, my Department issued guidance to them emphasising that presiding officers should be aware of the importance of stamping each ballot paper. Separate guidance also issued to presiding officers re-emphasising this point and ensuring that poll clerks under their supervision were aware of the importance of this task. Notwithstanding this advice, there have been incidences of unstamped ballot papers which is a matter of concern and one which I will keep under review. I will also bring this matter to the attention of returning officers.