Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 April 2004
371 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure that non-nationals can register to vote in Garda stations using their social welfare or GNIB identity card instead of their passports which are often held by the authorities or simply not available; if a standard procedure across the country will be adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10488/04]
View answerThe question of the identification documents required for electoral purposes is under examination in my Department in consultation with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
372 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of polling stations in use in the constituency of Kerry South for the elections in June 2004; the number which are not fully accessible to persons with disabilities; if it is a statutory requirement that public notice be given of a lack of access to a polling station in advance of an election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10517/04]
View answerElectoral law provides that the returning officer must, 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 their polling station, the person may apply in writing for authorisation to vote at another polling station in the same constituency.
The appointment of polling stations is a matter for the appropriate returning officer. Details in relation to the number of polling stations planned for particular elections, or of their accessibility to persons with a disability, are not available in the Department.
