The Government has no intention to modify rules for third-party political fundraising ahead of the impending abortion referendum, despite questions being raised by the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO).
Under the Electoral Act 1997, a ‘third party’ is defined as someone who accepts for political purposes a donation exceeding €100 in value, with most donations from individuals – other than Irish citizens – who reside outside the island of Ireland being illegal.
Although SIPO believes the current provisions could hinder charities in the conduct of their ordinary affairs and doubts that this is the legislature’s intention, a government spokesperson has said there are no plans to amend the 1997 act.
Last November SIPO directed the Abortion Rights Campaign to return €23,000 of funding from the US-based Open Societies Foundation.