Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 April 2004
44 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all polling stations to be used in the June 2004 elections will be fully wheelchair accessible; if he will make it a legal requirement for future elections that all such polling stations will be fully wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12190/04]
View answerThe appointment of polling stations at an election is a matter for the appropriate returning officer in accordance with electoral law which already provides for a number of measures relating to accessibility. 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 and 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 a polling station, the person may apply in writing for authorisation to vote at another polling station in the same constituency or local electoral area.
Once in the polling station, persons with a physical disability may avail of companion voting or may seek the assistance of the presiding officer. Alternatively, 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. My Department has also arranged for the procurement of customised tables for the electronic voting machines with a tilt facility for easier access for people with a physical disability, and in particular, for persons using wheelchairs. The accessibility of the polls and of polling stations is being kept under review as part of a policy of continuous improvement in this area.
