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Information for third parties
From Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO)
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Do you accept donations for political purposes? If you are an individual or organisation that accepts donations of more than €100 for political purposes, you are a third party under the Electoral Act, and have obligations under the Act.
Third parties have disclosure and reporting obligations to the Commission. We have explanatory notes for third parties in relation to their obligations under the Electoral Act.
Third parties must:
- register with the Standards Commission
- open a bank account for political donations
- send annual returns of political donations to the Commission
- de-register if you no longer accept donations for political purposes
A donation can comprise of money, property or services. If it is given for a political purpose – as defined in the Electoral Act – it is considered a political donation.
Political purposes include:
- seeking to influence the outcome of an election or referendum
- promoting the interests of a candidate, elected official or political party
- promoting a third party’s views and interests
- campaigning to influence government policy or functions
- see the Explanatory Note for Third Parties for a complete definition of a political purpose.
You must apply to register using an application form from the Standards Commission. We may ask you for more information, if it is needed.
The Standards Commission publishes a list in its annual report of third parties that submitted returns for the previous year.
If you are no longer accepting donations for political purposes, you must apply to the Commission to de-register as a third party using the form from the Standards Commission.