Conor D McGuinness
Question:602. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will announce the polling day of the Galway west and Dublin central by-elections. [72224/25]
View answerTuesday, 16 December 2025
Questions (602)
Written answers
Section 39 of the Electoral Act 1992, as amended, provides that where a vacancy occurs in the Dáil the Ceann Comhairle, as soon as she is directed by the Dáil to do so, directs the Clerk of the Dáil to issue a writ directing the relevant returning officer to hold an election to fill the vacancy. Where, within 6 months of a vacancy arising, the Dáil has not so directed the Ceann Comhairle, she shall, as soon as practicable at the end of the 6 month period, direct the Clerk to issue the writ.
Section 96 of the Electoral Act 1992 provides that a poll shall be taken on such day as shall be appointed by the Minister, by order, being a day which (disregarding any excluded day – Sunday, Good Friday, Public holiday) is not earlier than the 18th day or not later than the 25th day next following the day on which the writ for the by-election is issued.
To date, the Clerk of the Dáil has not issued a writ to the returning officer of either Dáil constituency in which there is currently a vacancy. When a writ is issued I will make an order appointing the day on which and the hours during which the poll will be taken at the by-election.