Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he can confirm whether a directive has been issued in relation to reducing the number of polling stations for the forthcoming referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43425/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Under the Electoral Act 1992, returning officers are responsible for the provision of a sufficient number of polling stations. No directive has issued to returning officers in relation to reducing the number of polling stations. However, I understand the returning officers have had discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform about the need to achieve savings where feasible, in keeping with the Government’s overall objective of delivering public services more efficiently and with less resources. Arising from these discussions, I understand that returning officers have been examining polling station requirements in their constituencies with reference to the fact that only one poll will be taken on 10 November 2012.