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Election Management System.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2004

Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Ceisteanna (404)

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

490 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all polling stations in the elections to local government and the European Parliament on 11 June 2004 will be wheelchair accessible; if all polling stations will be fully accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5037/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the European and local elections will be held on the same day next June, the local European returning officer will be responsible for holding the polls and the provision of polling stations. The Electoral (Amendment) Act 1996 provides that local authorities in making polling schemes, as a reserved function shall endeavour to appoint as polling places only areas which will allow a returning officer to provide at each polling place that at least one polling station is accessible to wheelchair users.

The local European returning officer is required, as far as possible, to provide polling stations which are accessible to wheelchair users; and where this is not possible, to give public notice of all polling stations in buildings which are inaccessible to wheelchair users not later than eight days before polling day. If an elector has difficulty gaining access to the assigned polling station he or she may apply, in writing, for authorisation to vote at another station in an accessible building in the same constituency. A person with a physical disability or illness which prevents them from going to the polling station may apply to vote by post.

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