Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
346. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will arrange for public access to all election counts in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28532/14]
View answerAdmittance to count centres is a matter for the relevant returning officer. The Electoral Act 1992, in sections 113 and 60(10), provides that the returning officer, his assistants and clerks, members of the Garda Síochána on duty and candidates and their agents may be present at the counting of votes at a Dáil election. No other person may be present at a count without the permission of the returning officer. In guidance issued by my Department in advance of elections and referendums, returning officers are advised to ensure that the numbers admitted to count centres are not such as to impede the work of count staff or of the candidates and their agents. Similar provisions apply under the electoral Acts in relation to other elections and referendums.
