Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had discussions on the proposals of the British Government to extend to Northern Ireland legislation on donations to political parties; if, in particular, he has discussed the need to co-ordinate such legislation with the equivalent rules in this jurisdiction, in order to provide effective regulation for parties operating on an all-island basis; if there will be consultations for such a purpose at official level including with officials of the Standards in Public Office Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5496/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The proposals referred to by the Deputy were discussed with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain, and with his predecessor Paul Murphy, on a number of occasions prior to the publication on 16 February 2006 of the relevant draft legislation in the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. The issue was discussed at meetings of the BIIGC, which I chair jointly with the Secretary of State, on 2 March, 27 June and 11 October 2005 and on 1 February 2006.

The Government's approach to these discussions has been informed at all times by the key principle that any new arrangements should be in keeping with the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement. I have also been concerned to ensure that the new framework is both accountable and maximises transparency, while allowing individuals and companies the freedom to make legitimate donations to their chosen political party or parties without fear of intimidation.

The all-island dimension referred to by the Deputy is particularly relevant in that context. In my discussions with the Secretary of State, I put forward the view that although there are significant differences between the party funding frameworks North and South, for example, there is no provision for State funding for political parties in Northern Ireland, it was nonetheless desirable to ensure close co-ordination between the rules governing party funding in both parts of the island.

The Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006, introduced by Secretary of State Peter Hain on 16 February 2006, includes provisions to allow for donations from Irish citizens and Irish companies, in line with our current legislative framework. It will also allow for a mechanism to facilitate future adaptation in the light of any changes which might arise in this jurisdiction, thus facilitating North-South coherence. The Bill also provides for political parties in Northern Ireland to make their donation returns in confidence to the Electoral Commission until 2010, or later, if this period is extended by order of the Secretary of State with the approval of the British Parliament.

I am satisfied that these provisions are in keeping with the spirit of the Agreement and with our wish to ensure close co-ordination of the rules governing donations on both parts of the island. I and my officials will continue to keep these issues under review in close consultation with the British authorities and, of course, with the relevant authorities in this jurisdiction.