Laois complaint for people who 'have to pay to vote'
One group of people in Ireland have to actually pay to vote in elections, a Laois councillor has highlighted.
People who are unable to get to their local voting station due to illness or incapacitation, are forced to pay, by way of getting a doctor's cert so they can vote from home.
A Laois councillor has slammed the system, calling for the Government to change it, ahead of local elections in 2024.
Cllr John Joe Fennelly tabled a motion to the May meeting of Laois County Council, asking the council to write to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and ask that the requirement is changed that voters seeking a postal vote due to illness or disability must include a doctor's cert with their application.
He wants them to accept an alternative method of proof that will not cost money to the voter.
"It's very simple. They are the only people in Ireland who actually have to pay to cast their vote. There is a charge in doctors' surgeries to sign a form. It could be done by a carer instead, or a peace commissioner.
"We all know you cannot get into a doctor's surgery unless you are very sick, they are so busy. There has to be an easier solution. I don't believe it's right that anybody with an illness or disability has to pay to cast a vote," Cllr Fennelly said.
Cllr Fennelly said that the process was reviewed, which he heard during a training session by the AILG.
"I asked the question there and they hadn't even considered it," he said.
Cllr Willie Aird seconded.
"It's outdated. I ask that a letter go to the five Laois Offaly TDs as well. It's totally unfair," he said.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley agrees.
"It's very similar to a medical cert for applicants. GPs charge €160 for that. Before a letter was €20, now it's a report. I raised that to the Minister and he asked Sean Fleming to do a report on it," she said.
The Cathaoirleach Cllr Thomasina Connell added that different GPs charge different amounts.