Allen calls for action on election IDs

Fine Gael TD Bernard Allen has called on the Government to act regarding the ID requirements for non-nationals for the local elections in June.

“In response to a question from my Party Leader, Enda Kenny TD, which sought to establish if Garda-issued temporary registration cards are an acceptable form of identification for the purpose of voting in June, the Minister for the Environment Martin Cullen, replied that at present the cards are not acceptable and he will consult the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the issue," said Deputy Allen.

“It beggars belief that 100 days before the Local Elections the Government is ‘consulting’ with itself on this issue.

"Non-nationals who are entitled to vote risk being disenfranchised because of the Minister’s inability to properly cater for them.

“The cards are often the only form of identification issued in Ireland that non-nationals possess. If Minister Cullen believes there is a good reason why papers issued by the Gardai cannot be considered a valid form of identification, then let him say so.

“If not, let him explain why the necessary measures are not in place to allow non-nationals present them at polling stations in June.”