Election Management System

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 May 2013

Thursday, 30 May 2013

Ceisteanna (187)

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

187. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the contents of a letter he has recently received from the Chairman of the Standards in Public Office Commission (details supplied) regarding the reform needed of SIPO; if he intends to widen the current legislation to bring third party groups taking part in political campaigns within the commission's remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26460/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Chairperson of the Standards in Public Office Commission, Justice Matthew P. Smith, wrote to me earlier this month about the provisions of the Electoral Act 1997 as they relate to third parties. In his letter he recalled recommendations previously made by the Commission for amendment of the legislation and in particular those in a March 2009 report titled Third Parties and the Referendum on The Treaty of Lisbon. In my response to Justice Smith I have confirmed that consideration will be given to the Commission’s recommendations in the development and preparation of the Electoral (Amendment) (Referendum Spending and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which is on the Government’s legislation programme. That Bill will provide, inter alia, for the disclosure of expenditure and donations at a referendum campaign.