Trevor Sargent
Ceist:17 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the general election will be held on a weekend as requested by the National Youth Council and other groups. [7007/02]
Written Answers. - General Election.
There is no restriction in law in relation to the day of the week which the Minister for the Environment and Local Government may specify as polling day for a general election. The appointment of a Saturday or Sunday would require careful consideration of a range of matters, including objections on religious grounds, people being away from home, the large numbers now employed in the service industry at weekends, the likelihood of competition with sporting events, difficulty in obtaining election staff and increased staff costs. These and other relevant factors will be taken into account in the determination of a polling day for the next general election.