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.

What are my obligations?

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

What are political donations?

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.

What is a political purpose?

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.

How do I register as a third party?

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.

How do I apply to de-register?

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.