Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 May 1992

Vol. 420 No. 4

Written Answers. - EC Funding.

Jim Kemmy

Question:

69 Mr. Kemmy asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline for each member state of the European Community (a) the funds, if any, the political parties receive in the form of direct and indirect financial support, (b) the amount of such support and (c) the basis of its calculations, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

Direct financial support in the form of allowances to Party Leaders are currently paid to registered politicial parties in Dáil Éireann who have seven or more members. This results in payments as follows: Fianna Fáil, £125,130; Fine Gael, £248,205; Labour, £123,313.

The payments are calculated on the basis set out in the Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices (Amendment) Act, 1973 and the Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial, Parliamentary and Judicial Offices (Amendment) Act, 1983. These Acts provide for the application of special increases by way of Government Order and standard National Agreement type increases administratively.

As regards indirect financial support this falls mainly under the headings of staff, accommodation, equipment etc. and as such it is difficult to estimate its total value. The staffing element is, however, estimated at about £300,000.

Details in relation to funding of political parties in the other member states of the European Community are not available.