Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by residents of nursing homes in having their names included on the register of electors; if he will consider making alterations that would allow persons other than doctors to verify their eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20922/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority – the city and county councils. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.

Section 17 of the Electoral Act 1992 requires a registration authority to prepare a special voters list comprising electors with a physical illness or disability living in hospitals, nursing homes or similar institutions who are unable to go in person to vote at their polling place. Rule 19(c) of the Second Schedule to the Electoral Act 1992 requires, in the case of a first application to be included in the special voters list, a certificate from a medical practitioner certifying the nature and extent of the illness or disability to be submitted by the applicant. However, Rule 19 also provides that in the case of subsequent applications the applicant must furnish a medical certificate only when required to do so by the registration authority.

My attention has not been drawn to any particular difficulties with these provisions and I have no plans to alter the existing arrangements regarding the application process for inclusion on the special voters list.