Electoral Reform

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Questions (890)

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

907 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends, as a matter of electoral reform, to revise the method of selection of polling station staff to ensure that the positions available are publically advertised and that, when appropriate, the jobs are offered to persons who are on the unemployment register rather than to those who are already employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19069/12]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within that framework, local returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections and referendums, including the selection, appointment and training of polling station and count staff in accordance with the relevant provisions of electoral law.

To assist returning officers, my Department issues guidance to them in advance of each election and referendum. The guidance emphasises that the smooth conduct of polls is dependent on maintaining a cadre of sufficiently skilled and experienced people. Having regard to that overall objective, returning officers are advised to employ competent and efficient persons as polling staff and asked to give consideration, where possible, to employing suitable persons who are unemployed.