Vol. 543 No. 2
496 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will introduce legislation or amend the existing legislation to enable disabled people to obtain a postal vote without having to register for each election; if he will ensure that each polling station is equipped to register this vote; and his views on the arrangements in place to deal with this issue. [26202/01]
There are a number of options available to disabled persons who may choose to vote by post or may vote in person at a polling station with or without the assistance of a companion or the presiding officer. In order to be entered on the postal voters list a disabled person must apply to the appropriate registration authority by 25 November each year. Eligibility is confined to persons living at home and unable to vote at a polling station by reason of a physical illness or a physical disability which is likely to continue for the duration of the register of electors in respect of which the application is made. The requirement to apply annually is necessary to ensure that a person continues to meet the eligibility criteria and similar arrangements apply for An Garda Síochána and occupation categories of postal voters.
Electoral law also makes for a range of provisions to assist those electors with disabilities who decide to vote in person at a polling station. The Electoral (Amendment) Act, 1996, provides that local authorities, in making polling schemes, shall endeavour to appoint polling places where at least one polling station is accessible to wheelchair users. The Act also requires that the returning officer shall, where practicable, provide polling stations which are accessible to wheelchair users. The returning officer must in addition, where practicable, give public notice of all polling stations which are inaccessible to wheelchair users not later than eight days before polling day. If an elector has difficulty gaining access to his or her polling station, he or she may apply in writing for authorisation to vote at another polling station in the same constituency.
I am satisfied that voting arrangements for disabled persons are operating satisfactorily but it is a matter which I will keep under review.
Question No. 497 answered with Question No. 468.
