Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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408. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if schools will be used as polling stations in the upcoming general election; her plans to ensure that schools are not used as polling stations and that alternative accommodation is sourced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2736/16]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware, matters relating to the holding of elections and referenda are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Deputy will also be aware that Returning Officers are statutorily responsible for the conduct of elections and may, under electoral law, use school premises for this purpose.

In relation to polling taking place in schools, for many years there has been an ongoing campaign for polling to take place on Saturdays which would prevent the loss of any school days for those schools which otherwise might be identified as polling stations. In light of this, the Children's Referendum was held on a Saturday, with 33.5% of eligible voters taking part. This was obviously a disappointing turnout, which raises further questions about the best day for polling to take place. The most recent referendums took place on a Friday, with 60.5% of eligible voters taking part – the highest turnout in many years.

In my opinion the establishment of an independent Electoral Commission will allow for a much more detailed analysis of electoral turnout on different days of the week, across different jurisdictions and it will also be best placed to advise on the most appropriate venues to be used as polling stations. I look forward to engaging with the Commission in relation to the use of school premises for that purpose.