Donegal TD Pat the Cope Gallagher has branded the current system of postal voting in Ireland, as outdated and archaic, and unlike numerous other countries in Europe.
Deputy Gallagher said the current system did permit voting for those who may be abroad on polling day on holidays, pilgrimage or work relate matters if you are employed by a company not ordinarily registered in the Irish state.
He said similarity any Irish students who are attending English colleges are equally not entitled to a postal vote at present.
Deputy Gallagher added: “The Irish system of postal voting is far too restrictive and certainly does not cater for modern day living whereby individuals work abroad during the week and return home at weekends, it is also fair to state any postal system which does not accord the right to an individual who is on holidays the right to vote is both unfair and unjust.
“It is baffling how our system of postal voting has not changed with time and progress of modern day living.”
Deputy Gallagher said no system of voting for absentee voters can stand the test of time for over 30 years without reform and that was the problem currently with the Irish postal voting system.
He concluded: “It has been left unchanged for so long while all around us great change has occurred and continues to occur.”
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