Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 1

Written Answers - Electoral Polling Places.

David Stanton

Question:

307 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the need to make all polling places accessible to people with disabilities; the funding that he has made available to local authorities to enable and ensure accessibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9009/03]

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

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.

If a person has a physical disability or illness which prevents him or her from going to the polling station, the person can vote by post if he or she applies to be included in the postal voters list which is drawn up each year as part of the register of electors. 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. Under the Electoral Act, 1992, the selection of buildings to be used as polling stations at an election or referendum is a matter for the returning officer. Costs incurred in relation to the holding of an election or referendum are recouped through the Department of Finance from the central fund.