Category: Ethics & Elections

The Standards in Public Office Act 2001 establishes the Standards in Public Office Commission.  It has  powers in relation to acts and omissions of persons in public life. Complaints may concern alleged acts or omission which are inconsistent with the proper performance of the relevant functions. The intention was that the Commission is to be […]

The Constitution requires that the Dáil, the Lower House of the Oireachtas / parliament is elected by the members who represent constituencies determined by law.  Originally the government party presented a bill for the revision of constituencies.  In the last 40 years commissions have been established to revise constituency boundaries.  The Electoral Act 1997 provided […]

The date for the election is chosen by the Taoiseach. The time for polling is set by the Minister for the Environment by order.  It is generally 14 to 16 hours.  Offshore islands generally vote a few days in advance. The notice of poll must be publicised and displayed in various places such as Garda […]

Candidates in the principal election are entitled to post one item free of charge to each voter.  This applies to both general elections and by-elections.  It does not apply to local elections. A party is only entitled to one free postal communication.  Its candidates are deemed singular. Ministerial regulations are made for each election setting […]

European Union Elections are governed by European and domestic legislation.  European Parliament Elections Act, 1997 is the present legislation.  Parts of the (general) Electoral Act apply. European elections are held every five  year in May or June in the fourth and ninth  year of each decade.  They take place Europe wide during a four-day period.  […]

The Seanad consists of sixty members.  Six are elected directly by university graduates.  Eleven are nominated by the Taoiseach].  Forty-three are elected from five “vocational panels”.  The electorate consists of TDs, senators, members of county councils and city councils. Candidates must be 21  years or over. The Seanad election is to be  held within 90 […]

There is personation where a person applies for a ballot paper in the name of another or where the person applies for a ballot paper in his own name, having already obtained a ballot paper for that election. The offence is committed once the application for the ballot paper is made.  Voting is not necessary. […]

The Standards in Public Office Commission has a role under electoral law and ethics in public office legislation. It comprises the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Ombudsman, the Chairman and Clerk of the Dáil, and the Clerk of the Seanad. It appoints one of its members to be chairperson. The Commission publishes guidelines and provides […]