Annual Report 2008

Role of the Standards Commission

The Standards Commission has a supervisory role under the Electoral Act 1997 (the 1997 Act), as amended, (the Electoral Acts) in relation to:

1. the acceptance and disclosure of donations received by political parties, TDs, Senators, MEPs and candidates at Dáil, Seanad, European Parliament and presidential elections;
2. the opening and maintenance of political donations accounts;
3. the limitation, disclosure and reimbursement of election expenses;
4. State financing of qualified political parties (see Chapter 3);
5. the registration of "third parties" (i.e., campaign/lobby groups or individuals that accept a donation for political purposes that exceeds €126.97 in value) and "other persons" (persons not connected to a political party or candidate who incur election expenses pursuant to section 31(7) of the 1997 Act);
6. the publication of guidelines and the provision of advice on these requirements.

During 2008, the Standards Commission supervised compliance with the Electoral Acts by political parties and their accounting units and by TDs, Senators and MEPs. It also supervised compliance with the Electoral Acts by "third parties" campaigning at the referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon.

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