David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the consideration, if any, he has given to facilitate blind persons and persons with severe visual impairment to vote at polling stations independently of third parties by way of, for example, allowing the use of templates to enable such persons to mark ballot papers correctly using touch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3351/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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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.

Arising from the commitment in my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005 to assist persons with disabilities to vote at elections and referendums, my Department is reviewing the legislative, logistical and financial implications of independent voting, including voting by blind and visually impaired persons. In this context, my Department is considering a range of options including the use of tactile ballot templates.