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

Details of individuals or groups involved in the general election to the 29th Dáil

Those who registered with the Standards Commission as persons who intended to incur election expenses under section 31(7) of the 1997 Act are listed in column 2 of the table below. Details relating to their registration are provided in column 3. Column 4 of the table outlines the position in relation to their registration as third parties at the election under section 23(C) of the 1997 Act, which would be required if they received a donation exceeding in value €126.97.

	Name and Address	Registered as a person who intended to incur election expenses, under section 31(7) of the 1997 Act	Position regarding registration as a third party, under section 23(C) of the 1997 Act
B1	Mr. John Doyle, N9/N10 Unified Group, Bennekerry Lodge, Carlow.	Mr. Doyle wrote to the Standards Commission on 29 April 2002 outlining the intention of the group to incur expenses at the election. He indicated that the group intended to spend approximately €4,000 on press advertising in order to generate interest on the part of some candidates in South Kildare or Carlow/Kilkenny in the issue of the existing N9 and N10 roads serving Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford. The group was registered in accordance with section 31(7) on the same day. An Election Expenses Statement was received from the Group on 7 January 2003 which stated that election expenses in the sum of €3,324 were incurred.	The group did not register as a third party. The Standards Commission wrote to Mr. Doyle on 29 April 2002 with details of the requirements relating to registration. No reply was received. The Standards Commission sent a reminder on 9 July 2002. There was evidence from the internet that this group was seeking donations from members of the public. A further reminder was sent to Mr. Doyle on 21 August 2002. No reply was received. A final reminder issued on 31 October 2002. Mr Doyle informed the Standards Commission that the group did not receive any donations for political purposes in 2002 and that the expenses incurred at the election were incurred out of funds accumulated prior to 1 January 2002. Accordingly, the group is not a third party.
B2	Ms. Áine Walsh, No Incineration Alliance, 27 Highfield, Drogheda, Co. Louth.	Ms. Walsh wrote to the Standards Commission on 29 April 2002 outlining the intention of the group to incur expenses at the election. She indicated that the group wished to have the option to spend up to €20,000 on press advertising, leaflets, etc., in highlighting the waste management / environmental policies of both independent and party candidates in the Louth and Meath areas. The group was registered in accordance with section 31(7) on 2 May 2002. Ms. Walsh informed the Standards Commission on 8 July 2002 that the group subsequently changed its mind in relation to its involvement at the election and did not incur any expenses at the election.	Did not register as a third party. The Standards Commission wrote to Ms. Walsh on 2 May 2002 with details of the requirements relating to registration. No reply was received. The Standards Commission sent a reminder on 9 July 2002. No reply was received. The Standards Commission became aware that No Incineration Alliance, with an address at PO Box 2001, Drogheda, Co Louth, was seeking donations through its website. The Standards Commission wrote to this group on 13 September 2002 and, following an exchange of correspondence, the group was registered as a third party on 19 December 2002.
B3	Mr. John O'Reilly, Pro-Life Campaign, 34 Gardiner Street Upr., Dublin 1.	Mr. O'Reilly wrote to the Standards Commission on 25 April 2002 outlining the intention of the group to incur expenses at the election. He indicated that the group may wish to insert advertisements in local and national newspapers to alert voters to the policies of Fine Gael and Labour on the abortion question, at a cost of up to €20,000. The group was registered in accordance with section 31(7) on 2 May 2002. Mr. O'Reilly furnished an Election Expenses Statement on 10 July 2002 which showed that no election expenses were incurred.	The group was registered as a third party in relation to the abortion referendum campaign (see item A1 above under Part 2. Referendum on Abortion) and, accordingly, it was not necessary to register separately for the purpose of the general election campaign.
B4	Mr. Seamus O'Reilly, N9 Action Group, Crookstown, Ballitore, Athy, Co. Kildare.	Mr. O'Reilly wrote to the Standards Commission on 1 May 2002 outlining the intention of the group to incur expenses at the election. He indicated that the group intended to spend between €250 and €300 on bill boards supporting Senator John Dardis. The group was registered in accordance with section 31(7) on 2 May 2002. An Election Expenses Statement was received from the Group on 19 July 2002 which stated that election expenses in the sum of €2,234.20 were incurred.	Did not register as a third party. The Standards Commission wrote to Mr. O'Reilly on 2 May 2002 with details of the requirements relating to registration. No reply was received. The Standards Commission sent a reminder on 9 July 2002. Following an exchange of correspondence, it became clear that the group received donations and Mr. O'Reilly undertook to provide the necessary information to effect registration as a third party. This information was provided on 3 September 2002 and registration as a third party was effected.
B5	Mr. John Farrell, Navan Lobby Group, 42 Townspark, Navan, Co. Meath.	Mr. Farrell wrote to the Standards Commission on 4 May 2002 outlining the intention of the group to incur expenses at the election. He indicated that the group intended to spend less than €300 to distribute leaflets door-to-door in the town of Navan and to promote Navan candidates in the local media. The group was registered in accordance with section 31(7) on 7 May 2002. An Election Expenses Statement was received on 15 July 2002 which stated that the total expenditure was €121.76.	Did not register as a third party. The Standards Commission wrote to Mr. Farrell on 7 May 2002 with details of the requirements relating to registration. No reply was received. The Standards Commission sent a reminder on 9 July 2002. While no reply was received, the Standards Commission has no evidence to warrant pursuing the matter further, i.e. there is no indication that the group received a donation for political purposes with a value in excess of €126.97.
B6	Mr. Gerry Floyd, Vote Local Vote Drogheda Campaign, 10 Boyne Valley Cottages, Drogheda, Co. Louth.	Mr. Floyd wrote to the Standards Commission on 1 May 2002 outlining his intention to incur expenses at the election. He indicated that he intended to distribute 5,000 leaflets, at a cost of €15 per 1,000, to promote a "Vote Local Vote Drogheda / South Louth, Vote Change" campaign. The group was registered in accordance with section 31(7) on 7 May 2002. Mr. Floyd submitted an Election Expenses Statement which showed that he had incurred election expenses of €75 in the production of about 3,000 leaflets.	Did not register as a third party. Mr. Floyd indicated that the costs involved would be paid out of his own resources.
B7	Mr. Joe Cox, Chairperson, Ballyfin Parents Council, 5 Elm Lawn, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.	Mr. Cox wrote to the Standards Commission on 13 May 2002 outlining the intention of the group to incur expenses at the election. He indicated that the Parents Council intended to spend about €1,000 to take out an advertisement in the Leinster Express to advise parents to vote for Mr. Sean Fleming, Fianna Fáil, and Mr. Tom Parlon, Progressive Democrats. The group was registered in accordance with section 31(7) on 13 May 2002. An Election Expenses Statement was received on 26 July 2002 showing that €1,300 was spent at the election.	Did not register as a third party. The Standards Commission wrote to Mr. Cox on 13 May 2002 with details of the requirements relating to registration. No reply was received. The Standards Commission sent a reminder on 9 July 2002. While no reply was received, the Standards Commission has no evidence to warrant pursuing the matter further, i.e. there is no indication that the group received a donation for political purposes with a value in excess of €126.97.
B8	Mr. Michael Prendergast, Managing Director, Microtech Idirnáisiúnta Teoranta, Estáit Tionscail an Spidéil, An Spidéal, Co. na Gaillimhe.	Mr. Prendergast wrote to the Standards Commission on 13 May 2002 outlining his intention to incur expenses at the election. He indicated that he intended to spend about €500 on poster material with the slogan "The Corruption Hasn't Gone Away, You Know". He was registered in accordance with section 31(7) on 13 May 2002. On 16 September 2002 Mr. Prendergast furnished an Election Expenses Statement indicating that he spent €2,193.30 on posters and advertising in opposition to corruption in the political system.	Did not register as a third party. The Standards Commission wrote to Mr. Prendergast on 13 May 2002 with details of the requirements relating to registration. No reply was received. The Standards Commission sent a reminder on 9 July 2002. While no reply was received, the Standards Commission has no evidence to warrant pursuing the matter further, i.e. there is no indication that he received a donation for political purposes with a value in excess of €126.97.
B9	Ms. Lisa Maher, Campaign Against Service Charges, 78 Whitechurch Way, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.	Ms. Maher wrote to the Standards Commission on 18 April 2002 outlining the intention of her group to incur expenses at the election. She indicated that the Campaign intended to produce leaflets at a cost of no more than €500 to encourage residents of Dun Laoghaire and South Dublin Dáil constituencies not to vote for candidates of the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Progressive Democrats parties. The group was registered in accordance with section 31(7) on 7 May 2002. As Ms. Maher, who was Secretary of the Campaign, and a Mr. Richard Boyd Barrett, who was Chairperson of the Campaign, were candidates at the election, and as it seemed that the leaflet would advocate voting for them at the election, the Standards Commission advised that the expenses incurred on producing the leaflet should be accounted for by their respective election agents. Ms Maher's election agent subsequently informed the Standards Commission that the expenses referred to were incurred in respect of leaflets circulated prior to the dissolution of the Dáil and, accordingly, were not election expenses.	Did not register as a third party. The Standards Commission wrote to Ms. Maher on 7 May 2002 pointing out the requirements relating to registration of third parties. While she did not reply on this point, the Standards Commission has no evidence to warrant pursuing the matter further, i.e. there is no indication that the group received a donation for political purposes with a value in excess of €126.97.
B10	Mr. Joe McManus, 42-24 Bell Blvd., Bayside, New York 11361, USA.	Mr. McManus wrote to the Standards Commission on 10 May 2002 outlining his intention to incur expenses at the election. He indicated that he intended to spend about €800 on behalf of 34 individuals, who were Irish citizens resident in the USA, on an advertisement in the Leitrim Observer newspaper, in support of Mr. Sean McManus, Sinn Féin, who was a candidate for the Sligo/Leitrim constituency. The group was registered in accordance with section 31(7) on the same day. An Election Expenses Statement was received on 29 July 2002 from the election agent of Mr. Sean McManus which takes account of the election expenses incurred by Mr. Joe McManus. Accordingly, it was not necessary for Mr. Joe McManus to register under section 31(7) and it is not now necessary for him to furnish an Election Expenses Statement.	Did not register as a third party. The contribution of each individual was less than €126.97. Accordingly, the provisions of the legislation do not apply.
B11	Dr. Don McAuley, Chairman, Flouride Free Water, c/o St Raphaela's Convent, Upper Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin.	Dr. McAuley wrote to the Standards Commission on 14 May 2002 outlining his intention to incur expenses at the election. He indicated that he intended to spend about €500 on a small leaflet campaign in the constituency of Dublin South East to encourage voters to support Mr. John Gormley, Green Party. The group was registered in accordance with section 31(7) on the same day. An Election Expenses Statement was received on 15 October 2002 which indicated that €100 was spent on leaflets supporting the candidacy of Mr. Gormley.	Did not register as a third party. Dr McAuley stated that the group is a self-funded organisation and it had not received any donations in the last 12 months.

During the election period, i.e. from 25 April 2002 to 17 May 2002, the Standards Commission received information that other individuals or groups were incurring election expenses but had not registered with the Standards Commission. The following are the details.

	Name and Address	Registered as a person who intended to incur election expenses, under section 31(7) of the 1997 Act	Position regarding registration as a third party, under section 23(C) of the 1997 Act
B12	Ms. Áine Suttle, Secretary, Galway for Safe Environment, c/o The Galway One World Centre, 4th Floor, The Halls, Quay Street, Galway.	The Standards Commission received a complaint that Galway for Safe Environment had erected posters on the approach roads to Galway city which purported to connect Fianna Fáil candidates with a proposed incinerator in the Galway area. The Gardaí in Galway had also received a complaint and had commenced an investigation. However, shortly after polling day the complaint to the Gardaí was withdrawn and the Garda investigation ceased. The Standards Commission wrote to the Secretary of the group on 13 May 2002 outlining the provisions of the legislation. No reply was received. A reminder issued on 4 July 2002. Again, no reply was received. The Standards Commission sought and received information from the Garda authorities in Galway in relation to the group. On 18 July 2002, the Standards Commission wrote to Mr. Conor Ó Brádaigh, who had been identified by the Garda authorities as the Chairman of the organisation. No reply was received. On 17 September 2002 the Standards Commission received a letter from Kennedy Fitzgerald, Solicitors, Galway, on behalf of Galway for Safe Environment offering to provide all the information required in relation to the group in order to comply with the electoral legislation. A reply issued on 18 September with an Election Expenses Statement form and an outline of the information required. After a number of reminders, Galway for Safe Environment furnished an Election Expenses Statement to the Standards Commission which indicated that election expenses of €837.60 had been incurred on posters in the promotion of an anti-incineration campaign.	Did not register as a third party. The letter from the Standards Commission dated 13 May 2002 outlined the requirements relating to registration. No reply was received. Galway for Safe Environment informed the Standards Commission that two donations in excess of €126.97, with a total value of €500, were received towards the costs of its campaign. It subsequently provided the necessary information to enable it to be registered as a third party.
B13	Union of Students in Ireland (USI), Ceann Áras na Mac Léinn, Grattan Street, Dublin 2.	An article in the Irish Times on 10 May 2002 indicated that the USI was to distribute 50,000 leaflets to third level colleges calling on its members not to vote for Fianna Fáil. The Standards Commission wrote to USI on 10 May outlining the provisions of section 31(7) relating to the requirement to register before incurring any expenses. USI responded on 13 May 2002 and acknowledged that it had incurred expenses of €1,300 in producing the leaflet in question. On 24 May the Standards Commission informed the USI that it may have committed an offence. It was pointed out to USI that it would be advantageous to it if it completed an Election Expenses Statement relating to the expenses incurred. An Election Expenses Statement was received on 29 July 2002 which showed that USI spent €1,510.99 at the election. The Standards Commission decided not to seek a prosecution for breach of the legislation.	Did not register as a third party. The newspaper article implied that the expenses were being incurred out of the USI resources and there was no indication that donations for political purposes were being sought. The Standards Commission has no evidence to warrant pursuing the matter further, i.e. there is no indication that the group received a donation for political purposes with a value in excess of €126.97.
B14	Farmers Positive Action Group.	The Standards Commission received a complaint that the Farmers Positive Action Group was distributing leaflets in the Sligo/ Leitrim constituency calling on constituents not to vote for Mr. John Ellis. The Standards Commission wrote to the six persons who were listed as the organisers and distributors of the leaflet. One letter was returned undelivered. One reply was received indicating that the writer was not affiliated to any political party. No other replies were received. The leaflet is not of high quality. It appears to have been produced by a home computer and the cost of producing it would be minimal. The free use of home computers, where the computer is not used commercially for the same purpose, is not an election expense. Accordingly, a decision was taken by the Standards Commission that it was not necessary to pursue this matter further.	Did not register as a third party. There was no indication that donations for political purposes were sought or received.
B15	Elect Carlow Candidates Organisation (ECCO), County Carlow Chamber of Commerce, Hadden's Centre, Tullow Street, Carlow.	The Standards Commission received a complaint that a group calling itself Elect Carlow Candidates Organisation (ECCO) was placing advertisements in the Nationalist and Leinster Times newspaper calling for votes for candidates from Carlow. The complainant felt that this advertisement was advantageous to one candidate only. The Commission wrote to Mr. Gerry Dunne of ECCO on 9 May 2002 outlining the requirements of the legislation relating to the incurring of election expenses. As no reply was received to that letter a reminder issued on 20 June 2002. Mr. Dunne replied on 28 June 2002 indicating that €3,300 had been spent in the course of the election. The Standards Commission wrote to him on 1 July 2002 and indicated that he may have committed an offence by incurring election expenses before registering with the Standards Commission. He was requested to complete an Election Expenses Statement form. A telephone call was received from Mr. Joe Tully, Treasurer, Carlow Chamber of Commerce, indicating that the Chamber of Commerce wished to comply with its legal obligations. On 11 July 2002 an Election Expenses Statement was received from Mr. Tully confirming expenditure of €3,300 in relation to the election. The Standards Commission decided not to seek a prosecution for breach of the legislation. The Standards Commission wrote to the publisher of Nationalist and Leinster Times enquiring as to why the newspaper accepted an advertisement from a person who was not a candidate or an agent or a person authorised by a candidate or agent, contrary to section 31(10) of the 1997 Act. The editor of the newspaper stated that he was not aware of the provisions of section 31 (10) of the 1997 Act. However, the Standards Commission had written to all newspapers (including this one) prior to the election advising of the requirements in this regard. He apologised for accepting the advertisement and undertook not to do so again without reference to the Standards Commission. Having considered the matter, the Standards Commission decided to take no further action.	Did not register as a third party. There was no indication that donations for political purposes were sought or received. Did not register as a third party. In Mr. Dunne's letter of 28 June 2002, he indicated that ECCO had received donations in the amount of €3,300. He was advised by letter dated 1 July 2002 of the requirements relating to third parties. Following an exchange of correspondence the necessary information was received on 19 July 2002 and registration as a third party was effected.
B16	The National Women's Council of Ireland, 16 South Cumberland Street, Dublin 2.	An article in the Irish Times on 24 April 2002 indicated that the National Women's Council of Ireland (NCWI) had launched a leaflet entitled "Vote to ... make a difference" as part of its election campaign. The Standards Commission wrote to the Council on 25 April 2002 outlining the provisions of section 31(7) relating to the requirement to register before incurring any expenses. As no reply was received, the Standards Commission sent a reminder to Ms. Joanna McMinn, Director, on 20 June 2002. In a reply dated 9 July 2002, Ms. McMinn stated that she did not believe that the Council needed to register with the Standards Commission as it did not support a political party or candidate at the election. However, she indicated that the Council was taking legal advice on the matter. A reply was received on 6 November 2002, including a copy of the leaflet in question. Having examined the leaflet, the Standards Commission was satisfied that it did not seek to promote or oppose a party or candidate at the election nor did it seek to influence the outcome of the election. Accordingly, the NWCI was not covered by the provisions of the electoral legislation.	Did not register as a third party. Following an exchange of correspondence the NWCI confirmed that it did not receive any donations for political purposes. Accordingly, it was not necessary for it to register as a third party.
B17	Mr. Jas Kalsi, President, Ennis Chamber of Commerce, O'Connell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.	An article in the Irish Independent on 27 April 2002 indicated that the Ennis Chamber of Commerce had launched a poster campaign in Ennis indicating dissatisfaction with the Government over the cancellation of funding for the town by-pass. The Standards Commission wrote to Mr. Kalsi on 30 April 2002 outlining the provisions of section 31(7) relating to the requirement to register before incurring any expenses. No reply was received. Following the issuing of a number of reminders, the Standards Commission eventually received a reply on 12 January 2003, enclosing a copy of a letter dated 3 May 2002, which was addressed to the Standards Commission but which it had not received. From the information contained in the copy letter of 3 May 2002, the Standards Commission was satisfied that the expenses incurred by Ennis Chamber of Commerce were not election expenses as the signs which were produced did not promote or oppose any candidate or political party and did not seek to influence the outcome of the election. Accordingly, the provisions of the electoral legislation did not apply to Ennis Chamber of Commerce.	Did not receive any donations for political purposes.
B18	Mr. Brian O'Rourke, M.I.J.A.G., Ballincrokig, White's Cross, Co. Cork.	Mr. O'Rourke wrote to the Standards Commission on 19 April 2002 informing it that the Cork Branch of M.I.J.A.G. (Motor Insurance Justice Action Group) had produced a leaflet calling on voters to support Mr. Mick Barry of the Socialist Party in Cork North Central. The Standards Commission wrote to Mr. O'Rourke on 24 April 2002 outlining the provisions of section 31(7) relating to the requirement to register before incurring any expenses. It was also pointed out to Mr. Barry that if his group was connected in any way with the candidate it proposed to endorse, the expenditure being incurred by the group might be deemed by the Standards Commission to have been incurred by the election agent of the candidate. In such a situation, the group would need the authority of the election agent to incur the expenses and the election agent would be required to account for the said expenses. As no reply was received, it was assumed that the expenses would be accounted for by the election agent of the candidate. However, as this did not happen the Standards Commission wrote again to Mr O'Rourke on 2 January 2003. A reminder issued on 20 January 2003. A further reminder issued on 7 March 2003.	Did not register as a third party. The letter from the Standards Commission and explanatory note issued on 24 April 2002 outlined the provisions of section 23C. While no reply was received, the Standards Commission has no evidence to warrant pursuing the matter further, i.e. there is no indication that the group received a donation for political purposes with a value in excess of €126.97.
B19	Focus Ireland, 1 Lord Edward Court, Bride Street, Dublin 8.	On 25 April 2002 a full page advertisement on homelessness was placed by Focus Ireland in the Irish Times. It asked voters in the forthcoming general election to raise with candidates the issue of homelessness. The advertisement also sought donations to help Focus Ireland in its work with people who are homeless. The Standards Commission wrote to Focus Ireland on 25 April outlining the provisions of section 31(7) relating to the requirement to register before incurring any election expenses. Following an exchange of correspondence, Focus Ireland acknowledged that it should have registered with the Standards Commission in advance of incurring the election expenses and the Chief Executive of Focus Ireland duly completed an Election Expenses Statement form. The form shows that, in addition to incurring election expenses on the production and placement of the full page advertisement in the Irish Times to advocate the rights of homeless persons, other expenses were incurred on the production of postcards for distribution to Focus Ireland supporters and public via "pictureworks" postcard displays. Expenses were also incurred in the production of an election demands leaflet for TDs, media and other organisations. The total expenses incurred were €31,332.95. The Standards Commission wrote to the publisher of the Irish Times enquiring as to why the newspaper accepted an advertisement from a person who was not a candidate or an agent or a person authorised by a candidate or an agent, contrary to section 31(10) of the 1997 Act. In his reply, the Managing Editor of the newspaper stated that the Irish Times aimed to follow the law on such matters scrupulously and it took very seriously any suggestion of an infringement of the legislation. He made the point that the advertisement did not, directly or indirectly, advocate voting in favour or against any political party or any candidate. He defended the publication of the advertisement on the basis that it raised an issue about which there was wide concern across the political spectrum and it made no reference to any candidate or political party. Having considered the matter, and mindful of the fact that it was arguable as to whether or not the advertisement could be regarded as an election expense, eventhough Focus Ireland accepted that it was an election expense, the Standards Commission decided to take no further action.	Focus Ireland informed the Standards Commission that it did not receive any donations for political purposes and accordingly it was not necessary for it to register as a third party.
B20	Anti Fascist Action, PO Box 3355, Dublin 7.	On 22 May 2002, Ms. Áine Ní Chonaill, a candidate in the Dublin South Central Dáil constituency, reported to the Standards Commission that a leaflet in the name of Anti Fascist Action and Residents Against Racism (see B21 hereunder) was being circulated in Dublin South Central referring to her and her organisation, Immigration Control Platform (ICP), as racists and asking voters not to vote for any candidates encouraging racial hate. Information obtained from the website of Anti Facist Action indicates that 20,000 of the leaflets were distributed. The Standards Commission wrote to both Anti Fascist Action and Residents Against Racism on 29 May 2002 outlining the provisions of section 31(7) relating to the requirement to register before incurring any expenses. As no reply was received the Standards Commission wrote to both groups again on 21 June 2002. The letters referred to were also sent by e-mail to both organisations on 12 July 2002 A letter was received from Mr. Bill Bolton, Anti Fascist Action, which stated that the group incurred minimal expenses during the general election opposing racist candidates. He said that the majority of the leaflets used were photocopied at no expense. A further letter enquiring as to the actual amount of expenses incurred received no reply. If the leaflets referred to were provided gratuitously by an individual, (and the printing of leaflets was not part of the business or employment of that individual), it would not be an election expense. Also, if the leaflets cost less than €126.97 and were paid for by an individual out of his/her own resources and the sum was not repaid to the person, it would be regarded as a minor expense which is not an election expense. Accordingly, it was decided by the Standards Commission not to pursue the matter further.	Did not register as a third party. A letter received by the Standards Commission on 19 July 2002 from Mr. Bill Bolton, Anti Fascist Action, stated that the group had never received any financial donations and that they were financed totally through membership fees and the occasional fund-raiser such as pub quizzes. Registration as a third party is not, therefore, necessary.
B21	Residents Against Racism, c/o 10 Upper Camden Street, Dublin 2.	No reply to the letter of 22 May 2002 (see B20 above) was received from Residents Against Racism. However, as the leaflet in question was produced jointly with Anti-Fascist Action (B20), and, having regard to the information provided by Mr. Bill Bolton, Anti Fascist Action, and as it is likely that the expense incurred in producing the leaflet is not an election expense, it was decided by the Standards Commission not to pursue the matter further.	See B20 above. The same applies in this case.
B22	Campaign Against the Bin Tax, 1 Portmahon Drive, Rialto, Dublin 8.	On 4 April 2002, the late outgoing TD, Mr. Jim Mitchell (RIP), reported to the Standards Commission that a leaflet relating to bin charges entitled "Don't let the Corpo bully you" was being circulated prior to the dissolution of the Dáil. He feared that a misinformation campaign was likely to occur during the election period and enquired as to what pre-emptive action the Standards Commission could take. The Standards Commission wrote to the Campaign Against the Bin Tax on 24 April 2002 outlining the provisions of section 31(7) relating to the requirement to register before incurring any expenses. As no reply was received the Standards Commission wrote again on 24 June 2002. On 15 July 2002, Ms Bríd Smith, a candidate for the Socialist Workers Party in Dublin South Central, whose name had been associated with the Campaign, wrote to the Standards Commission and stated that the leaflet referred to was circulated prior to the dissolution of the Dáil and was not part of the general election campaign. Accordingly, it was not an election expense.	Did not register as a third party. As there was no indication that the Campaign Against the Bin Tax received donations for political purposes, the Standards Commission has no evidence to warrant pursuing the matter further.
B23	Mr. Seán Love, Director, Amnesty International, Seán McBride House, 48 Fleet Street, Dublin 2.	On 11 May 2002 a full page advertisement was placed in the Irish Times by Amnesty International highlighting the response of the outgoing Government to eight recommendations made by Amnesty to help in addressing the rise of racism. The Standards Commission wrote to Amnesty International on 15 May 2002 outlining the provisions of section 31(7) relating to the requirement to register before incurring any expenses. On 29 May 2002, Mr. Seán Love replied saying that Amnesty International does not solicit or accept money for "political purposes" and that the interests it promotes are not its interests but the interests of universal human rights. After a further exchange of correspondence, the Standards Commission decided that, in view of the nature of the advertisement, it being critical of the out-going Government rather than opposing it, the expenses incurred by Amnesty International on the advertisement were not election expenses and, accordingly, the provisions of the electoral legislation did not apply.	Amnesty International informed the Standards Commission by letter dated 10 October 2002 that it had not received any donations for political purposes. Accordingly, it is not a third party.
B24	Mr. Sean Gallagher, National Chairperson, The Carers Association, Metropole Centre, James' St., Kilkenny.	Mr. Gallagher wrote to the Standards Commission on 7 May 2002, stating that the Association published posters on 10 April 2002 which were being displayed at the Association's centres throughout the country, advising the public on the position of each of the main political parties on the abolition of the means test for the Carer's Allowance. The Standards Commission replied on 15 May 2002 outlining the provisions of section 31(7) of the 1997 Act. No reply was received on this matter although there was an exchange of correspondence on another matter relating to the election. A further letter issued from the Standards Commission on 18 July 2002 requesting the completion of an Election Expenses Statement form. The completed form was received on 19 December 2002 which showed that election expenses of €3,838 were incurred in lobbying on behalf of the Carers Association to have the carer's means test abolished and to ensure that the Carer's Allowance is payable to all carers.	Did not register as a third party. The letter of 7 May 2002 implied that the expenses were being incurred out of the Carers Association's own resources and there was no indication that donations for political purposes were being sought or were received. Accordingly, it was not necessary to register as a third party.

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