Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 941: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on having polling day for the upcoming general election on a Saturday, to encourage a higher voter turnout and in particular to facilitate persons who are working and studying outside of their home constituency during weekdays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9727/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There is no restriction in law in relation to the day of the week which the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government may specify as polling day for a general election. The appointment of a Saturday would require careful consideration of a range of matters, including people being away from home, the large numbers employed in service industries at weekends, the likelihood of competition with sporting events and issues with availability of election staff. These and other relevant factors will be taken into account in the determination of the polling day for the next general election.