A prisoner has taken a High Court action challenging the failure to allow prisoners to vote in general elections.
Stiofan Breatnach, of Sandymount, Dublin, is detained in Wheatfield prison in Dublin. Yesterday he sought, in judicial review proceedings, a declaration that the failure of the Government to provide the necessary machinery for prisoners to exercise their right to vote was discriminatory.
Mr Eddie Walsh SC, for Breatnach, read an affidavit from his client in which he claimed he was registered to vote in his home constituency and wished to exercise that right to vote but could not because of his detention. Mr Walsh said his client had a constitutional right to vote.
Mr Brendan Grehan, for the State, said it was Breathnach's criminal actions which had cost him his vote. The hearing concluded yesterday and Mr Justice Quirke reserved judgment.