Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 May 2018
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Election Management System
623. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to cease using primary schools as polling stations and to use community centres and other local facilities instead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23105/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder electoral law, the appointment of polling stations is a matter for the appropriate returning officer, who is required to provide a sufficient number of stations, conveniently distributed for the accommodation of the electors entitled to vote there. The electoral acts also provide that a returning officer may, for the purposes of taking a poll use, free of charge, any school or any room in a school and any premises (other than a dwelling house) owned or occupied by a local authority. Guidance issued to Returning Officers by my Department in advance of electoral events advises that it is open to returning officers to hire a hall or other premises if they consider it to be appropriate.
While electoral law is subject to ongoing review, there are no proposals to alter the existing arrangements.
