Electoral Act, 1997

Application by qualified parties of payments under this part.

18.—(1) (a) A qualified party which receives payments under this Part shall, subject to guidelines issued by the Public Offices Commission pursuant to section 4 , apply such payments to any or all of the following purposes, namely—

(i) the general administration of the party,

(ii) research, education and training,

(iii) policy formulation, and

(iv) the co-ordination of the activities of the branches and members of the party.

(b) Payments made to a qualified party under this Part shall be deemed to include provision in respect of expenditure by the party in relation to the promotion of participation by women and young persons in political activity.

(2) A payment made to a qualified party under section 19 shall not be applied to, or to recoup, election expenses incurred at an election within the meaning of the Electoral Acts, 1992 to 1997, the Presidential Elections Acts, 1993 to 1997, the European Parliament Elections Acts, 1992 to 1997, the Seanad (Electoral) (University Members) Acts, 1937 to 1973, the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Acts, 1947 to 1972, the Local Elections Acts, 1974 to 1997 or the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act, 1979 or on furthering any particular outcome at a referendum within the meaning of the Referendum Acts, 1992 and 1994.