Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2025
88. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will bring forward legislative change to allow for those who are pregnant or who have recently given birth to apply for a postal vote in all elections and referenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52166/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraElectoral law provides for postal voting for a number of different categories of people:
• whole-time members of the Defence Forces,
• members of An Garda Síochána,
• Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses/civil partners,
• electors living at home who are unable to go in person to vote because of illness or a disability,
• electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day,
• full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State,
• prisoners, and
• certain election staff employed at the poll outside the constituency where they reside.
In addition, Section 93 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides for anonymous registration and a postal vote where a person’s safety (or a member of their household) may be compromised by publication of their details on the electoral register. Where a person is registered as an anonymous voter, that person is only able to vote by post.
An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s independent electoral commission, was established in February 2023. An Coimisiún's research, advisory and public information function enables it to carry out research on electoral policy and procedure. An Coimisiún is also empowered to advise and make recommendations to the Minister and the Government in relation to any proposals for legislative change, or any other policy matters concerning electoral and legislative proposals.
An Coimisiún’s Research Programme 2024-2026, published on 10 July 2024, includes a commitment to examine the issue of postal voting. My Department will review this policy area once An Coimisiún has considered and made recommendations on the issue.
