§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he takes to ensure that all disabled people are able to exercise their right to vote in elections for which he is responsible; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramSection 14 (4)(d) of the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 as substituted by article 6(1) of the Electoral Law (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 requires the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland to prepare polling station schemes. Such a scheme can require the provision of facilities to be made available for the disabled. The Government also provide financial assistance towards the cost of providing temporary ramps for access at polling stations and, in addition, disabled people may take advantage of the arrangements for postal and proxy voting should they find this more convenient.