(Cavan-Monaghan) and Mr. Gilhawley asked the Minister for the Environment if the postal vote will operate at the next local authority elections and/or the European elections in June next.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Postal Vote for Elections.
27.
Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick
Members of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces are entitled to vote by post at both Euro-pean Assembly elections and local elections. In addition, in the case of local elections an elector may apply to vote by post if he is unable to vote in person at his polling station by reason of his employment, illness or absence. The question of whether it will be necessary to harmonise arrangements for postal voting in the case of next year's Assembly elections and local elections which will be held on the same day is being examined.
(Cavan-Monaghan): It is clear from the Minister's reply that he is aware that in the local elections a very wide range of people, practically unlimited——
That is infor-mation.
(Cavan-Monaghan): It is a question—are en-titled to vote by post if they so request, but in the Act which provides——
I fail to get the question.
(Cavan-Monaghan): ——for the European election only a very limited number of people such as gardaí and so on are entitled to vote.
That is not a question. I am trying to discourage the practice of making a speech before asking a question.
It is a lecture.
(Cavan-Monaghan): With due respect I like to ask intelligent questions.
The Deputy need not give information.
(Cavan-Monaghan): It is not always possible to ask intelligent questions by simply say-ing: “Is the Minister aware”.
It is quite possible.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that a wide variety of people will be entitled to vote by post in the local elections and a very limited category of people will be entitled to vote by post in the European election, both of which are being held in the same place and on the same day? This will lead to all sorts of difficulties and absurdities. Will he agree it is ab-solutely essential to have uniformity between the two?
This whole matter is under examination at the moment. There will be a definite announcement early in 1979.
(Cavan-Monaghan): May I take it also that any revision of wards and electoral areas for these elections will be carried out by an independent commission as undertaken by the Taoiseach.
That question does not arise.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Do not fly to his protec-tion. It is a very relevant question.
It does not arise. The Deputy insists on telling the Chair when he thinks something is relevant.