MINISTER FOR the Environment Phil Hogan has formally made the order for polling on the children’s rights referendum on Saturday, November 10th.
Polling will take place between 9am and 10pm, a reduction in the traditional number of hours, generating savings in excess of €600,000.
The Saturday poll will also mean that closure of schools throughout the State will be avoided.
Mr Hogan said priority should be given to employing unemployed people on polling day and at the counts.
“While the efficient conduct of polls and the count is clearly dependent on having sufficiently skilled and experienced people, I would ask all local returning officers to consider employing suitable persons who are unemployed,’’ he said.
Mr Hogan has appointed Riona Ní Fhlanghaile, a principal officer in the department, as returning officer.
Those eligible to vote and not registered should apply for inclusion on the register of electors which will be published before polling day.
Application forms can be downloaded from www.checktheregister.ieor can be obtained from city or county councils.
Every Irish citizen over 18 years and ordinarily resident in the State is eligible to vote, making up an electorate of an estimated 3.1 million people.
An application for inclusion in the register must be signed by the applicant in the presence of a garda from the local station who must be satisfied as to the person’s identity.
The garda may request photographic or other identification.
Those eligible to vote by post, and those in hospitals and nursing homes, can also apply for inclusion on the register. Application forms are available from city and county councils and must be submitted not later than Wednesday, October 10th.
