An elector ordinarily resident in a hospital, nursing home or other similar institution who is unable to go in person to vote at their normal polling station by reason of a physical illness or disability may apply to be included in a special voters list. Arrangements are made at each election or referendum for such voters to vote at the institution where they are resident. This is facilitated by the appointment of a special presiding officer accompanied by a Garda.
Electoral law does not provide for any person other than the special presiding officer to assist such an elector and I have no proposals to amend existing legislation in this regard. The special presiding officer may assist the special voter to vote in the same way as a presiding officer may do in a polling station.