Vol. 482 No. 5
120 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his Department will consider a suggestion by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W regarding early opening hours for polling stations in keeping with the practice in some European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18399/97]
Under existing law, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government appoints the date and hours of polling at an election or referendum. The period allowed for polling must be at least 12 hours and must take place between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10.30 p.m. The hours of polling at any election or referendum is a matter to be decided by the Minister in relation to that poll.
Recent changes to electoral law provide that a person may apply for entry in the postal voters list and vote by post if the circumstances of his or her occupation, service or employment are such as to render it likely that he or she will be unable to go in person on polling day to his or her polling station to vote.
