31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?

In accordance with Section 18 of the Electoral Act 1997 (as amended), the funds received by qualified parties must be applied to the general conduct and management of the party's affairs and the lawful pursuit by it of any of its objectives and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any or all of the  following purposes, namely: the general administration of the party; research, education and training; policy formulation; and the co-ordination of the activities of the branches and members of the party. The funding received is also deemed to include provision in respect of expenditure by qualified parties in relation to the promotion of participation by women and young persons in political activity. Public funding cannot be applied to, or be used to recoup, election or referendum expenses.

Source: GRECO (2009) Evaluation Report on Ireland, Transparency of Party Funding (Theme II), p. 8.

Moreover, the funding is also deemed to include provision in respect of expenditure in relation to the promotion of participation by women and young persons in political activity.