Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2016
122. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost to date of the 2016 general election; if all the costs are now accounted for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7319/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraHaving regard to the cost of the 2011 general election €29m, it is estimated that the cost of the 2016 election could be around €29m. The final certified accounts after an election would not normally be available until around 6 months after the holding of the election poll.
To date €14m has been advanced to Returning Officers whose costs include staff costs and other disbursements such as conveying polling screens, ballot boxes, and hiring and fitting out polling stations and count centres.
Payments from the Central Fund in respect of election expenditure are reconciled so that any outstanding expenses incurred over and above advances are paid or unspent balances are returned.
