Referendum Campaigns

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024

Wednesday, 14 February 2024

Questions (89)

Carol Nolan

Question:

89. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport 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. [6771/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

My Department communicated, to all staff, guidance received from the Department of An Taoiseach in respect of the application of the principles of the various Court judgments relevant to the Government’s role in referendum campaigns.

This was further communicated to public bodies under the aegis of my Department.

It is the responsibility of An Coimisiún Toghcháin, under Chapter 5, Part 2 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022, to provide a general explanation of the subject matter of the proposals for the referendums and to promote public awareness and encourage voting at the referendums.