Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Polling Stations.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

511 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will report on his contacts with local authorities to ensure that all polling stations are wheelchair accessible in time for the 2004 local and European elections; if funding is available for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22084/03]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

512 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the plans now in place for the 2004 local elections; the consultations he has had with local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22085/03]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 511 and 512 together.

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 1282 and 1283 of 30 September 2003.

Preparations for the 2004 local and European Parliament elections are continuing and my Department is, in the normal way, in contact with local authority officials in relation to their responsibilities. A seminar for local authority returning officers will be held on 29 October 2003. My Department will subsequently issue comprehensive guidance documentation to all returning officers which will draw attention,inter alia, to accessibility issues.

Extensive training in the use of electronic voting and counting is under way and will be supplemented by follow up visits to local authorities, seminars and additional training in 2004 as required.

A publicity and information campaign will be organised at national and local levels to inform the electorate on the use of the electronic voting machine at the 2004 polls. I will also arrange for full information on the system to be available locally and for local demonstrations of the system for elected members, candidates and the public.

My Department will also shortly issue draft guidelines to local authorities for issue to candidates and political parties at next year's local elections on the requirements concerning election expenditure and political donation reporting under the Local Elections (Disclosure of Donations and Expenditure) Act 1999, as amended.