Seán Power
Ceist:144 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Finance the cost of holding the general election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8613/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 March 2004
Ceisteanna (151, 152)
Freagraí scríofa
While the definitive cost of the last general election, held in May 2002, has not yet been finalised, the provisional estimate of cost is €20 million approximately. Of this, postal expenses cost almost €8 million, purchase of electronic voting machines for the three constituencies where they were used cost €3.3 million, while the balance was for other returning officers' expenses, for example, fees for staff.
Seán Power
Ceist:145 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Finance the cost of holding each of the past five referenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8614/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible in the time available to provide the information sought by the Deputy in respect of the last five referenda. As soon as my officials have collated the data, I will supply the Deputy with the information sought. In the meantime, for the Deputy's information, the provisional estimate of costs of the last two referenda is: Treaty of Nice referendum in October 2002 — €10.9 million and referendum on the protection of human life in pregnancy in March 2002 — €7.2 million.