Referendum Campaigns

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024

Wednesday, 20 March 2024

Questions (296)

Carol Nolan

Question:

296. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated total cost of the referendums held on 8 March 2024; if he will provide an itemised breakdown of estimated costs, including wage costs, printing, refreshments, rental of venues, purchase or rental of equipment, advertising and the costs of the activities of the Electoral Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12693/24]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

The deadline for Returning Officers to submit all of their costs to my Department is six months after the referendums are held, so a breakdown of the cost of the referendums held on 8 March will not be available until then. However, it is estimated that the costs over which my Department has oversight will be approximately €21 million, broken down as follows:

• €17 million in payments to Returning Officers to facilitate the running of the referendums

• €3.5 million to An Post to cover the postal costs associated with the referendums

• €400,000 of smaller payments to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Office of Public Works.

Costs incurred by the Electoral Commission are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.