Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with others in condemning the attack on the PSNI officer yesterday in Omagh. I extend solidarity to all his colleagues and family in the community as well. In Ireland, political parties and groups receive State funding largely based on the number of Oireachtas Members they have. This is a positive thing. It means we can help avoid the situation in other countries where money and politics are intertwined and representatives are forced to spend much of their time fundraising. However, with State funding or in other words, taxpayers' money, comes responsibilities. It is vital that political parties follow the rules on election spending, donations, and especially regarding the keeping of proper and accurate accounts. Sinn Féin received in excess of €1.5 million of taxpayers' money in 2021; the largest amount received by any party or group in the country. Taxpayers have a right to know that this money is spent within the rules and that it is properly and accurately accounted for. There have been a series of troubling and worrying revelations recently. Sinn Féin has failed to disclose election expenses in the 2016 general election; it has failed to provide full and accurate returns to the Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO, for the 2020 general election; it has-----