Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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1191. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure access to elected office for persons with disabilities; and the funding schemes available in this regard. [1725/19]

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Electoral law provides that 'a person of unsound mind' is disqualified from seeking election to the Dáil or European Parliament and, from membership of the Seanad. However this provision is to be repealed by the Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016, which is currently at Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann.

There are no other barriers in electoral law to persons with a disability seeking elected office. The Department does not provide a funding scheme in this regard.