Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2004
396 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of polling stations to be used during the local and European elections; the number of such stations that are not wheelchair accessible; when returning officers will give public notice of all the polling stations in a constituency that are not accessible to wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14239/04]
View answerThe appointment of polling stations at the European and local elections is the responsibility of the local European returning officer. The number of polling stations to be used at the June polls is not therefore available in advance to my Department. Under the Electoral (Amendment) Act 1996, local authorities, in making polling schemes, must endeavour to appoint as polling places only areas which will allow a returning officer to provide at each polling place at least one polling station which is accessible to wheelchair users.
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.
The returning officer must give public notice of all polling stations in buildings which are inaccessible to wheelchair users not later than eight days before polling day. If an elector has difficulty gaining access to the assigned polling station he or she may then apply, in writing, for authorisation to vote at another station in an accessible building in the same constituency.
