Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria that enables a person who has a mental or physical disability to be assisted while voting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18653/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Persons whose names are on the register of electors are generally entitled to vote at elections and referenda, according to their citizenship. Detailed requirements in relation to registration, the right to vote and the procedure for voting are set out in electoral law: implementation of these is a matter for local registration authorities and returning officers, as appropriate.

Under and subject to section 103 of the Electoral Act 1992, a voter whose sight is so impaired or who is otherwise so physically incapacitated or who is unable to read or write to such an extent that the person is unable to vote without assistance, may, on request, have their ballot paper marked by a companion.