Postal voting for disabled voters
The Minister said existing 1974 regulations govern postal voting at local elections, assured Deputies that disabled voters would be able to vote by post in June, and said any amendments would be approved by both Houses in ample time. He also planned legislation for postal voting for disabled people and additional categories, including diplomats, State-body officials and Defence Forces personnel abroad.
asked the Minister for the Environment when it is intended to introduce and implement legislation to provide for postal voting for the disabled.
19.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give details of postal voting facilities which will be available to persons qualified to vote in local authority elections in June 1985.
20.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for the Environment when he intends to introduce legislation to implement the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Legislation on postal voting.
21.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for the Environment when he intends to publish regulations providing for postal voting for the forthcoming local government elections.
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 to 21, inclusive, together.
The entitlements to postal voting at local elections are at present governed by the Local Elections (Postal Voting) Regulations, 1974. The question whether there should be any amendment in the regulations for the forthcoming local elections is under active consideration. Any amendment will require the approval of both Houses.
It is my intention to introduce legislation in the near future to provide for postal voting for the disabled and certain other categories at all elections and referenda.
Comment on this
Could the Minister confirm that in the forthcoming local elections postal votes will be available to the disabled?
Comment on this
I think that the Minister said the same thing previously. There is some little doubt hanging about. May we take it that the 1974 postal voting regulations will apply as of now in the local elections to be held in June? If there are amendments, so be it; if there are no amendments the existing legislation will apply?
Comment on this
Can the Minister assure us that any amendments proposed to the 1974 regulations will be made in good time to enable those who may want to avail of them to do so? Could he also indicate what categories other than the disabled he is proposing to include in his legislation for future elections?
Comment on this
I can assure the Deputy on the first point which he raised, that approval of any amendments which we feel are necessary will have to be brought before both Houses and that will be done in ample time before the elections. As regards the second point of the question, the Bill that I will be bringing in for general elections, other local elections and referenda will also make provision for voting by diplomats, officials of State bodies and Defence Forces personnel stationed abroad. I hope that that Bill will be before the House fairly soon.