asked the Minister for Local Government if he will introduce proposals for legislation to enable those whose names are included in registers of electors to vote at Dáil and local elections, who might on election day be absent from their voting areas by reason of business, employment, sickness or for other reasons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Absent Electors' Votes.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by me to a similar question on the 22nd November, 1951.
Would the Minister give the gist of the reply, given in November last? It is so long ago.
The gist of the reply was that the law would require to be amended, and it was not my intention to take any step in that direction.
Does the Minister not see the necessity for providing facilities for chronic patients in hospitals to have an opportunity of voting in local government and Dáil elections?
I also see the tremendous difficulties in providing these facilities.
Failing that, would the Minister not consider having all these public elections on Sundays or else proclaim the days on which they are held holidays?
I can only say that most of the aspects of this problem have been considered, and it is not my intention to introduce proposals to amend the law in any of these respects.