Menu
07/04/2010
Labour Call For Electoral Fairness For Visually Impaired
The Labour party has called on the Government to make provisions for the visually impaired during future elections.
Their spokesperson on Disability Issues and Equality, Kathleen Lynch, called on the environment Minister John Gormley to make changed so the blind and visually impaired can vote independently and in secret at the next general election.
"Currently, a person who is blind or vision impaired is forced, either to bring along a "trusted friend" or to request the assistance of a returning officer, to fill in the ballot paper when they go along to cast their vote," Ms Lynch said.
She added: "This is simply unacceptable, because everybody, regardless of what disability they may have, has the right to cast their vote in secret."
Ms Lynch pointed out solutions currently in operation elsewhere around the world such as "tactile templates", featuring Braille and large print, which are already in use in places like the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
In the UK, all polling stations provide a tactile voting device and at least one large print display version of the ballot paper under the Discrimination Act, making it easier to vote without another person's help.
The blind or visually impaired can also ask polling station staff to read the list of candidates and their details. A Braille version of the electoral identity card is also made available under their disability laws.
Ms Lynch went on to say: "Solutions based on such a system need not be expensive to implement and I believe they should be put in place in time for the next general election, whenever that might be.
"I have put a question on this to Environment Minister John Gormley and look forward to getting his reply in the Dail."
(DW/BMcC)
Their spokesperson on Disability Issues and Equality, Kathleen Lynch, called on the environment Minister John Gormley to make changed so the blind and visually impaired can vote independently and in secret at the next general election.
"Currently, a person who is blind or vision impaired is forced, either to bring along a "trusted friend" or to request the assistance of a returning officer, to fill in the ballot paper when they go along to cast their vote," Ms Lynch said.
She added: "This is simply unacceptable, because everybody, regardless of what disability they may have, has the right to cast their vote in secret."
Ms Lynch pointed out solutions currently in operation elsewhere around the world such as "tactile templates", featuring Braille and large print, which are already in use in places like the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
In the UK, all polling stations provide a tactile voting device and at least one large print display version of the ballot paper under the Discrimination Act, making it easier to vote without another person's help.
The blind or visually impaired can also ask polling station staff to read the list of candidates and their details. A Braille version of the electoral identity card is also made available under their disability laws.
Ms Lynch went on to say: "Solutions based on such a system need not be expensive to implement and I believe they should be put in place in time for the next general election, whenever that might be.
"I have put a question on this to Environment Minister John Gormley and look forward to getting his reply in the Dail."
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 June 2013
Visually Impaired People To Get Improved Book Access
A new international treaty will improve book access for visually impaired people, particularly those in developing countries, according to Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD. The international Treaty on Intellectual Property was today signed in Marrakech, Morocco under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Visually Impaired People To Get Improved Book Access
A new international treaty will improve book access for visually impaired people, particularly those in developing countries, according to Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD. The international Treaty on Intellectual Property was today signed in Marrakech, Morocco under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
16 June 2008
Blind Children 'Failed' By Education Says Report
Research revealed on Monday shows blind Irish children are not getting the support they need in school, with just one in six making it to third level education. The report said the significant lack of Braille books and specialist technology in schools mean blind children are being disadvantaged.
Blind Children 'Failed' By Education Says Report
Research revealed on Monday shows blind Irish children are not getting the support they need in school, with just one in six making it to third level education. The report said the significant lack of Braille books and specialist technology in schools mean blind children are being disadvantaged.
12 January 2009
Over Half Would Vote 'Yes' In Second Lisbon Vote
A new poll has revealed that over half of the population would vote 'Yes' in the second Lisbon Treaty referendum, planned to take place later this year. Taoiseach Brian Cowen has been working hard to secure concessions for Ireland on the major European Treaty, which failed to be passed last year.
Over Half Would Vote 'Yes' In Second Lisbon Vote
A new poll has revealed that over half of the population would vote 'Yes' in the second Lisbon Treaty referendum, planned to take place later this year. Taoiseach Brian Cowen has been working hard to secure concessions for Ireland on the major European Treaty, which failed to be passed last year.
30 May 2012
Lynch Urges All Voters To Use Their Vote In The Stability Treaty
Deputy Ciaran Lynch today urged all eligible voters to cast their vote in tomorrow's Stability Treaty referendum. "While the majority of voters have received their polling cards, I would urge those who have not received them to contact the franchise section in their local authority office, who can confirm if they are still registered to vote.
Lynch Urges All Voters To Use Their Vote In The Stability Treaty
Deputy Ciaran Lynch today urged all eligible voters to cast their vote in tomorrow's Stability Treaty referendum. "While the majority of voters have received their polling cards, I would urge those who have not received them to contact the franchise section in their local authority office, who can confirm if they are still registered to vote.
20 August 2009
Illness 'Impaired' Liam Carroll, Court Hears
Property developer Liam Carroll's battle to secure protection for seven companies in his Zoe development group has returned to the High Court. The court accepted the petition at a hearing last Friday.
Illness 'Impaired' Liam Carroll, Court Hears
Property developer Liam Carroll's battle to secure protection for seven companies in his Zoe development group has returned to the High Court. The court accepted the petition at a hearing last Friday.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Clear start with a fairly widespread frost developing. Increasing cloud brings occasionally heavy rain overnight, preceded, especially over western hills, briefly by snow. Occasional southeasterly gales, severe near coasts, developing. Minimum temperature -2 °C.
