Vol. 547 No. 1
724 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his proposals to introduce week-end voting for the forthcoming general election; his plans to make special provision to enable students to vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1247/02]
A move to weekend voting for the forthcoming general election would require careful consideration of a range of matters, including the limited experience which has now been gained of Saturday voting; objection on religious grounds; people being away from home; the likelihood of competition with sporting events; difficulty in obtaining election staff and increased staff costs. Overall, and despite a number of countervailing advantages, it is not clear at this stage that more people would have an opportunity to vote if elections were held at weekends. However, the matter will be kept under review.
Special provision exists under section 63 of the Electoral Act, 1997, to enable students attending an educational institution in the State on a full time basis to apply for entry in the postal voters list.
