Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria which apply to the appointment of polling officers and clerks and presiding officers; if these positions are publicly advertised; if an effort is made to ensure that the jobs are given to persons who are not employed at the time of the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21977/09]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the process by which polling officers, polling clerks and presiding officers have been selected for the upcoming local and European elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21728/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason that, at a time of increasing levels of unemployment, polling clerk positions are being given to people in full-time employment; the steps he has taken, to encourage access for people currently on the live unemployment register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21729/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 180, 186 and 187 together.

The 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 this framework, Returning Officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the conduct of elections and referenda, including the selection, appointment and training of polling station staff to take the poll on polling day in accordance with the relevant provisions of electoral law.