Written answers

Tuesday, 20 April 2010

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Services for People with Disabilities

9:00 pm

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 760: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has proposals to put in place a system to allow persons who are blind or vision impaired to vote independently and in secret at the next general election; the person who specifically is responsible for making a decision to introduce such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14559/10]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Recognising that people with disabilities have particular needs, my Department endeavours to ensure that the voting process is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Currently there are two options available to assist voters with a visual impairment to vote at their local polling station; they may avail of companion voting or they may seek the assistance of the presiding officer. Other measures in place to assist such voters include the display of a large print version of the ballot paper in polling stations and the inclusion of candidates' photographs and party emblems on the ballot paper.

My Department is committed, as set out in our Disability Sectoral Plan 2010 – 2012, to examine the legislative, logistical and financial implications of independent voting, including voting by blind and visually impaired persons. In this context, my Department has met with representatives of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland and is considering a range of options including the use of tactile ballot templates like those in use in other jurisdictions. As with any review of electoral practice, it is necessary to ensure that an appropriate balance is maintained between accessibility and the secrecy and integrity of the ballot, having regard to our electoral system.

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 761: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding for library services for persons who are blind or visually impaired can be mainstreamed as part of the national library funding in view of the fact that the service is currently reliant on donations and nominal support from the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14560/10]

Photo of Michael FinneranMichael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Funding provided by my Department for library services takes the form of capital assistance for construction and fit out of new local authority public libraries and substantial refurbishment of existing local authority public libraries which may include facilities for persons with disabilities. Grant aid is provided as a percentage of the overall cost of the project and is dependent on the funding available each year. The Department also distributes funding to libraries under the National Disability Strategy to improve access to library facilities and services for people with disabilities.

There are numerous other library facilities operated by educational bodies, charities and private organisations that do not come within the remit of my Department or the local government sector.

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