Schools to shut for third time this year following last March’s referendum and local elections in June
Parents’ group criticises closure of hundreds of schools to facilitate general election“Now, there are lots of community centres and other venues that could be used. It goes back to the message we send to parents and children: every school day counts. If we close down schools for elections, it really doesn’t reinforce that message.”
Electoral law also provides that a returning officer may use a school, or any room in a school free of charge. Guidance also advises returning officers that they may “hire a hall or other premises if they consider it to be appropriate”. “We should be trying to minimise the number of days that schools close and come up with more creative solutions for alternative polling stations. Yes, elections are important, but does it really have to involve school closures?”
Fianna Fáil senator Malcolm Byrne, who recently raised the issue in the Seanad, said it was time for authorities to broaden the range of venues in order to minimise disruption to children’s education and families.
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