26/03/03 - Report on involvement by individuals and groups in the referenda on abortion and the Nice Treaty and the Dáil general election

Background

The Standards Commission placed a public notice in the national daily newspapers on Thursday 25 April 2002, in the Sunday newspapers on 28 April 2002 and in the provincial newspapers during the week beginning on 29 April 2002, outlining the provisions of section 31(7) of the 1997 Act. (The 28th Dáil was dissolved on 25 April 2002.)

In response to the public notice, the Standards Commission received a number of enquiries from potential third parties and other persons who might be incurring expenses at the election. Callers included both individuals and groups. Also, a number of candidates at the election, including outgoing members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, or their representatives, reported to the Standards Commission that groups or individuals were incurring expenses in opposing them, or other candidates of their party, at the election.

In all cases where contact was made with the Standards Commission by potential third parties and other persons who might be incurring expenses at the election, or where such third parties or persons came to its attention, the Standards Commission requested that it be provided with the information specified in the legislation. In the weeks leading up to polling day at the election, it was clear that some groups were incurring expenses and had not registered with the Standards Commission.

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