Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this issue with the Minister.

Last week's referendum saw almost 90% of primary schools closed to facilitate voting across Ireland. This has been the practice for years, probably since national elections began in 1922. The closing of schools results in the loss of a working day for students and a considerable inconvenience for many working couples who must arrange for child care on that day.

In the past there were few public buildings other than schools available in many communities to act as polling stations and it was understandable that these buildings would have to be used. However, times have changed and, thankfully, we have a wide variety of public buildings in our communities which could be provided at a minimum of cost, if that is the issue. Most small towns have a community hall, a parish hall, a community gym and other such buildings, which would be available and built with a modern finish to include facilities to ensure people with disabilities would have equal access.

I call on the Minister to ask returning officers to work towards compiling an audit of their current polling stations and to seek expressions of interest from local communities and local authorities on the supply of alternative public buildings to act as polling stations. In places where there are not suitable buildings, schools must still act as polling stations but I am convinced fewer primary schools would need to be closed for future elections and referenda if this proposal were considered.

I ask the Minister to also request returning officers to supply information on the number of full-time unemployed who act as presiding officers and clerks at polling stations. Are the people who carry out this work students or people who work in the schools that are closed on the day? Voters are concerned when they arrive at polling booths and see many people double jobbing, given the number of highly skilled and educated persons who are unemployed.

I urge the Minister to review this system within the next year.

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