Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 390: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all polling stations were wheelchair accessible during the Lisbon referendum on 2 October 2009; if not, the number of non-wheelchair accessible stations; when all polling stations will be wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35428/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under electoral law, returning officers are responsible for all matters in relation to the conduct of elections, including the provision of polling stations. The information requested is not available in my Department.

The law provides that local authorities, in making polling schemes, shall endeavour to appoint polling places which allow the returning officer to provide at each place at least one polling station that is accessible to wheelchair users and requires that the returning officer shall, where practicable, provide polling stations which are accessible to wheelchair users. The returning officer must also, where practicable, give public notice of all polling stations which are inaccessible to wheelchair users not later than the eighth day before polling day. If an elector will have difficulty gaining access to his or her polling station, he or she may apply in writing to the returning officer for authorisation to vote at another polling station in the same constituency/local electoral area.

If a person has a physical illness or physical disability which prevents him or her from going to the polling station, the person can vote by post if he or she applies to be included in the postal voters list which is drawn up each year as part of the register of electors. In order to be entered on the postal voters list, the person must apply to the appropriate local authority by 25 November each year. After that date, an application for inclusion on the supplement to the postal voters list may be made.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 391: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of accidents which occurred at polling stations during the Lisbon referendum on 2 October 2009; if he will accept liability for these accidents; the estimated cost to the taxpayer of settling claims arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35429/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 provision of premises for use as polling stations and for oversight of their operation on polling day. In these circumstances, any issues arising from the taking of the poll at polling stations during the recent referendum are a matter for the relevant Returning Officer in the first instance.