Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
398 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he considers the production of a photo card by non-nationals, such as the Garda National Immigration Bureau card, as a sufficient form of identification in terms of the upcoming local and European Elections on 11 June 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13541/04]
View answerUnder the Electoral (Amendment) Regulations 2004, which I have recently made, the list of specified documents which a voter may be required to produce at a polling station has been extended to include a temporary residence certificate card and a Garda National Immigration Bureau card.
If a person wishes to be included in the supplement to the register they must have their application form witnessed by a member of the Garda Síochána who may in this connection request the production of photographic or other identification. While no identification documents are prescribed for this purpose, I understand that the Garda authorities have now issued a circular letter to assist in the administration of this matter. If a person cannot attend their local Garda station, their application may be witnessed by an official of the local authority. If because of a physical illness or disability a person cannot attend either their local Garda station or their local authority, their application form should be accompanied by a medical certificate.
Supplement applications must arrive at the appropriate local authority not later than 24 May 2004 in order to be eligible to vote in the polls to be held on 11 June.
