469. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has concerns that the lack of a minimum threshold under Regulation (EU) 2024/900 in relation to hosting an online transparency notice may place serious burdens on those engaged in political life, particularly at local government level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47851/26]

Regulation (EU) 2024/900 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising was adopted by the European institutions on 13 March 2024.  The Regulation aims to make it easier for voters to recognise political advertisements, understand who is behind them and know whether they have received a targeted advertisement, so that they are better placed to make informed choices during elections and referendums.

The European Union (Political Advertising) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 474 of 2025), which were made under section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972, facilitate the implementation in Ireland of Regulation (EU) 2024/900 on the transparency and targeting of political advertising.  The European Union (Political Advertising) Regulations 2025 commenced to have effect directly in the State on 10 October 2025 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2024/900.

In line with its “Better Regulation” policy, the European Commission undertook a detailed Impact Assessment on its "Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising" and held an open public consultation from 22 January 2021 to 2 April 2021. The Impact Assessment considered the regulatory burdens linked to the Regulation. The Impact Assessment and associated documents can be accessed on the website of the European Commission at https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12826-Political-advertising-improving-transparency_en.