Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
384. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, in light of the numerous referenda and elections being held in 2024, he will consider alternative locations for polling stations to national schools to reduce the need for repeated school closures and many parents being forced to take unpaid leave; and if these considerations will be taken before the next referendum. [9962/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within that framework, local Returning Officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections and referendums. This includes, in accordance with section 94 of the Electoral Act 1992, the provision of a sufficient number of polling stations, conveniently distributed for the accommodation of the electors entitled to vote there.
Electoral law provides that a Returning Officer may, for the purposes of taking a poll and counting the votes, use a school or any room in a school free of charge.
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 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 outside school hours. Guidance also advises that it is open to Returning Officers to hire a hall or other premises if they consider it to be appropriate.
It is important to note that the wide distribution of schools around the country helps to fulfil the requirement under electoral law to provide polling stations conveniently distributed for the accommodation of electors.
