Referendum Campaigns

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024

Wednesday, 14 February 2024

Questions (304)

Carol Nolan

Question:

304. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health 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. [6763/24]

Written answers

Minister for Health

All State bodies under the aegis of my Department which receive funding from the Department  must comply with financial obligations under Circular 06/2023 – Public Spending Code, Circular 13/2014 – Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds and also with the requirements in the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform’s Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. 

State bodies are reminded of their obligations each year in their Letter of Determination which confirms their funding for that year. State bodies must also confirm to my Department that they have complied with the requirements in the Code of Practice on an annual basis. 

My Department has issued guidance to all bodies under the aegis of my Department  on the forthcoming referenda on the 39th and 40th amendments to the Constitution regarding their obligation to uphold the McKenna principles. This includes organisations funded by these bodies.