Referendum Campaigns

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024

Wednesday, 14 February 2024

Questions (113)

Carol Nolan

Question:

113. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the measures he is taking to ensure that organisations, including State bodies under the aegis of his Department as well as non-governmental organisations and charities that are in receipt of funding from his Department, do not use any portion of such funding to campaign or promote a position in favour or against any outcome of the forthcoming referenda on Articles 41.1.1, 41.2.1 and 41.2.2 of the Constitution, thereby breaching the McKenna principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6766/24]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

My Department has received a guidance note from the Department of the Taoiseach in respect of the application of the principles of the various Court judgments relevant to the Government’s role in referendum campaigns. This guidance has been noted at the Department's Management Board and circulated to all staff in the Department. It has also been shared with the bodies under the aegis of the Department, all of which have confirmed that they are aware of, and fully adhere to, these principles.