Annual Report 2002

Referendum on Abortion

Polling in relation to the referendum on abortion took place on Wednesday 6 March 2002. The Standards Commission engaged with groups involved in campaigning on the issue as and when they approached the Standards Commission for information or if they otherwise came to its attention. In the weeks leading up to polling day, it was evident that substantial expenditure was being incurred on posters, etc., relating to the campaigns being conducted by certain groups. The Standards Commission was aware that at least some of these groups were soliciting donations and had not registered as third parties.

The following is a summary of the position relating to those groups and individuals who were active during the referendum on abortion campaign:

one group, "Pro-Life Campaign", registered with the Standards Commission of its own volition before the launch of the referendum on abortion campaign.
a second group, "Abortion Reform", registered of its own volition almost two months after the referendum.
two groups, "Pro-Life Movement" and the "Irish Family Planning Association", registered with the Standards Commission after it was brought to their attention that they could be covered by the legislation.
another group, "Ireland for Life", changed its name to "Éire ar son na Beatha" and registered with the Standards Commission, following an exchange of correspondence, after it was brought to its attention that it could be covered by the legislation.
"Pro-Life Alliance", also registered with the Standards Commission, following an exchange of correspondence, after it was brought to its attention that it could be covered by the legislation.
the Standards Commission had some difficulty contacting "Alliance for a No Vote" (using a PO Box Number). When contact was made, this group also registered as a third party.
ten groups or individuals, whose activities came to the attention of the Standards Commission during the referendum on abortion campaign, were not required to register as third parties as the provisions of the legislation did not apply to them, viz., "Mother and Child Campaign", "Youth Defence", "Family Solidarity", "Maynooth Life Society", "European Life Network (Ireland)", "Human Life International", "Neart", Ms. Nora Bennis, Mrs. Dana Rosemary Scallan and "Alliance for all Life".
"SPUC (UK)", did not reply to correspondence from the Standards Commission. Being outside the jurisdiction, in the event that a reply to correspondence is not received, there is no further action that can be taken in the case of "SPUC (UK)".

The referendum on abortion was the first significant relevant event to occur after the coming into operation of the provisions of section 23C of the 1997 Act. It is clear that, notwithstanding the newspaper advertising and other publicity undertaken by the Standards Commission, there was a low level of awareness and understanding of the legal obligations attaching to third parties in relation to the referendum. With the exception of "SPUC (UK)", all groups and individuals whose participation in the campaign came to the attention of the Standards Commission took steps to comply with the statutory requirements.

The Standards Commission has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that individuals or groups who are covered by the legislation will discharge their legal responsibilities. It may be the case that individuals or groups, other than those who came to the attention of the Standards Commission, were involved in the abortion referendum campaign and should have registered as third parties having received donations, in relation to the referendum, valued in excess of €126.97. The Standards Commission will consider the matter and take appropriate action if evidence to that effect becomes available.

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