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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Vol. 910 No. 1

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2016: First Stage

I move:

That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Electoral Acts 1992 to 2015 to ensure all polling stations are made accessible to wheelchair users.

It is an injustice, and it is quite bizarre, that citizens find themselves unable to avail of the most basic of democratic rights, namely, the right to vote, because they are a wheelchair user. The purpose of the Bill is to close that loophole which is clearly unacceptable. I look forward to getting the support of other Teachtaí, in particular from the new Minister with responsibility for disability issues, Deputy Finian McGrath. We should also consider other issues citizens face when casting their ballot. I intend to bring forward a Bill that would allow for independent voting by those who are visually impaired.

Is the Bill opposed?

Question put and agreed to.

Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.

I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."

Question put and agreed to.
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