Referendum Campaigns

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024

Wednesday, 14 February 2024

Ceisteanna (44)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

44. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he is taking to ensure that organisations, including State bodies under the aegis of his Department as well as non-governmental organisations and charities that are in receipt of funding from his Department, do not use any portion of such funding to campaign or promote a position in favour or against any outcome of the forthcoming referenda on Articles 41.1.1, 41.2.1 and 41.2.2 of the Constitution, thereby breaching the McKenna principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6761/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Government is not entitled to spend public money for the purpose of promoting a campaign for a particular outcome and a guidance note outlining this position was circulated to all Government bodies and agencies, including to my Department.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the officials of my Department are aware of their obligations to remain impartial as they serve the State.

While NGOs are, by their very nature, independent of Government, those in receipt of funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs are aware that public funding must be used only for intended purposes, and engagement in information campaigns linked to the referendum is not covered in funding arrangements.