We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

SIPO and party funding

Summary

A Senator linked State funding for parties to the need for responsibility and asked for a debate after alleging inaccurate Sinn Féin accounts to SIPO. He said the issue goes to trust, standards in public office and enforcement of ethics rules.

I join with others in condemning the attack on the PSNI officer yesterday in Omagh. I extend solidarity to all his colleagues and family in the community as well. In Ireland, political parties and groups receive State funding largely based on the number of Oireachtas Members they have. This is a positive thing. It means we can help avoid the situation in other countries where money and politics are intertwined and representatives are forced to spend much of their time fundraising. However, with State funding or in other words, taxpayers' money, comes responsibilities. It is vital that political parties follow the rules on election spending, donations, and especially regarding the keeping of proper and accurate accounts. Sinn Féin received in excess of €1.5 million of taxpayers' money in 2021; the largest amount received by any party or group in the country. Taxpayers have a right to know that this money is spent within the rules and that it is properly and accurately accounted for. There have been a series of troubling and worrying revelations recently. Sinn Féin has failed to disclose election expenses in the 2016 general election; it has failed to provide full and accurate returns to the Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO, for the 2020 general election; it has-----

Comment on this
Jerry Buttimer An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Is the Senator asking for a debate?

Comment on this

Yes, I am asking for a debate on the matters of SIPO. Sinn Féin provided incomplete and inaccurate accounts to SIPO for 2021. These are very serious matters. They relate to trust and confidence, to standards in public office, to transparency and openness in our political system, and confidence which the public must have in those who receive millions of euro in public money. Right now, Sinn Féin has failed on all of these accounts. We urgently need a debate on the ethics and standards legislation and more importantly, on the enforcement of these rules.

Comment on this