Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2012
413 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in future, referendums can be held on a Saturday in order that school students and staff are not disturbed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28558/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra418 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason for holding referenda and elections on a Thursday; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27798/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra450 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason polling day is held on a week day when persons who work or at college outside of their constituency will be unable to make it home on time to vote; the reason polling day is not on a Saturday; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28416/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 413, 418 and 450 together.
The Electoral Acts allow for the taking of a poll on any day of the week and this flexibility allows all relevant factors to be taken into account at any given time in setting the polling day.
Guidance issued to Returning Officers by my Department in advance of electoral events advises that when schools are used as polling stations, every step should be taken to ensure that schools are not closed unnecessarily and that disruption of school work should be kept to a minimum. The Guidance also advises that, where possible, school halls should be used instead of classrooms and that voting compartments and other equipment should be fitted up and dismantled after school hours.
Electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day and full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State may opt for a postal vote.
I will consider the proposal put forward by the Deputies in the context of future elections and referenda.
