Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to ensure that visually impaired voters are provided with facilities to enable them to vote in secrecy; if it is his intention to have such a system in place in time for the next general election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22239/10]

John 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.