Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 March 2014
116. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the official campaign period for the upcoming local and European elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12239/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 12B of the Local Elections (Disclosure of Donations and Expenditure) Act 1999 provides that the period for the reckoning of election expenses, during which spending limits apply, shall commence on a date between 50 and 60 days prior to polling day and end on polling day. The date of commencement of the spending period will be set out in an order made by me, as Minister, before the election. Election spending incurred during this period must be reported to the local authority concerned and must be below the specified spending limits.
Section 31(3)(a) of the Electoral Act 1997 provides that the period for the reckoning of election expenses at a European Parliament election shall commence on the date of the order appointing polling day and end on polling day. Election spending incurred during this period must be reported to the Standards in Public Office Commission and must be below the specified spending limit. Section 10 of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997 provides that the order appointing polling day shall be made by me, as Minister, not less than 50 days before polling day.
In advance of the local and European Parliament elections scheduled for 23 May 2014, I will make the necessary orders having regard to the statutory provisions identified.
