The government has suggested to organisations that are beneficiaries of public funds that their abstaining from releasing information about the impending family and care referendums would be “preferable”. A communique from the Department of Community and Rural Development, sent last month to community and voluntary organisations funded directly or indirectly by the department, advised against using public funds in the campaign. It stressed that any information about the referendum disseminated by entities funded by public money must be “equal, fair, impartial and neutral”.
The department communicated that given the high standard of neutrality required, it would be better if these bodies avoided releasing referendum-related information unless necessary. The department declared its inability and unwillingness to review or assess any referendum-related material.
The organisations were cautioned to generally avoid displaying or disseminating any items like brochures, badges, leaflets, newsletters, notices and posters related to the proposed changes in their offices. They were clearly told that websites and social media platforms of publicly-funded organisations must never be used to campaign for a specific outcome.
A department spokesperson categorically stated on Tuesday that organisations receiving funding from the department were reminded not to use public resources to endorse a specific referendum result. This reinforcement of a long-standing principle backed by court rulings was communicated to all recipients of funds including local authorities, agencies and grant-funded organisations.
This does not restrain the organisations in any other manner. To clear any misunderstandings, another notice emphasising that the directive only involved the use of public funds was sent following a few inquiries from organisations. The department also provides financial support for the 17-member group known as the Community and Voluntary Pillar, representing community and voluntary organisations.
Currently, there is intensified scrutiny on campaign spending by the proponents of both Yes and No votes in the referendums scheduled for Friday. The campaign budget of those in favour of both referendums on family and care surpasses €144,000, which is significantly larger than the amount being considered for spending by eminent individuals objecting to these.
Regarding the accusations of overstepping spending limits for referendum campaigns, Equality Minister Roderic O’Gorman clarified on Monday that he is utterly certain such laws have not been disregarded. Suggestions have been made that those rallying for a negative outcome in the referendum might lodge a legal counterclaim to the referendum’s result if successful, citing the McKenna principles, a guideline that prohibits the employment of taxpayer’s money to support either side of a referendum, may have been violated. There have been private concerns among those opposing the referendum regarding the functions of advocatory groups that are beneficiaries of state funds.
In related news, the Electoral Commission claimed that posters commissioned on behalf of Independent Senator Sharon Keogan represent a misunderstood fact about the upcoming Friday referendum’s proposal. Earlier last week, Senator Keogan launched an online fundraising campaign to finance the printing of these posters, with one conveying a No vote message stating, “Don’t force mothers out to work”. Approximately €25,000 has been fundraised so far via her GoFundMe page.
Electoral Commission Chairperson, Ms Justice Marie Baker, clarified that none of the referendum proposals entail forcing women to work or remain at home. She expressed that Senator Keogan’s poster visible in several Dublin locations incorrectly portrays the scenario voters are to decide on this upcoming Friday. Despite the criticism, Senator Keogan stands by her posters.
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