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# SIPO

Last year
2022
Ethics watchdog rules out overhauling guidelines for political parties
The review came after concerns were raised about Irish political parties who work and contest elections in multiple jurisdictions.
Anti-cannabis group met privately with drugs minister to discuss possible RSA-style ad campaign
The Cannabis Risk Alliance met Frank Feighan in January last year.
The Cannabis Risk Alliance told Frank Feighan last year that there should be "full transparency" around lobbyists and advocates, Stephen McDermott writes.
However, a loophole in lobbying laws mean the group's communications with the Government do not themselves have to be recorded.
Activists have questioned why the group had access to Feighan when those advocating for a different approach have found access more difficult.
Five former special advisers apply to reduce one-year 'cooling-off' period for lobbying
Under the law, public officials are subject to a one year “cooling-off” period after they leave their roles.
Ministers who breach 'cooling-off' period before lobbying could soon be fined €25k
There was controversy over Michael D’Arcy taking up a top job in the Association of Investment Managers.
Ethics watchdog rules against Wexford County Council CEO over funding threat to local radio station
Tom Enright has called the watchdog’s findings ‘flawed and disproportionate’, and is exploring his legal options.
SIPO finds against Monaghan councillor who published allegedly 'racist' election leaflet
Cllr Seamus Treanor was found to have contravened six elements of the Code of Conduct for councillors.
All time
SIPO considers whether Monaghan councillor's allegedly 'racist' leaflet breaches standards
It relates to material distributed by independent councillor Seamus Treanor ahead of the 2019 local elections.
Former ministers that breach 'cooling off period' rules could face fines under proposed reforms
Proposals to tighten laws on lobbying activity were approved by Cabinet today.
Highest number of former special advisers apply to reduce one-year 'cooling-off' period for lobbying - Sipo report
The Standards in Public Office Commission has released its 2020 report on the regulation of lobbying.
Ethics watchdog 'very concerned' at failure of Renua to account for public funding spent in 2019
The party received €258,596 in public funding last year.
SIPO 'very concerned' about failure of Aontú and Renua to submit statements of their annual accounts
Political parties registered in Ireland are required to disclose their annual accounts to SIPO.
Fine Gael on top as Sipo reveals political donations list for 2019
Donations disclosed by Irish political parties last year totalled €175,576.
Dáil approves appointment of former Senator and ex-NAGP lobbyist Geraldine Feeney to Sipo
No debate was held on the motion, despite objection to this by opposition politicians.
Taoiseach defends nomination of former Senator and ex-NAGP lobbyist Geraldine Feeney to Sipo
Opposition parties have criticised the government for not facilitating a debate on the nomination.
Nomination of ex-FF Senator and NAGP lobbyist to Sipo labelled 'outrageous' by opposition
Geraldine Feeney is listed as having lobbied on behalf of the now defunct doctor’s union.
Ethics watchdog with teeth: Taoiseach says sanctions and penalties should be part of Sipo review
Micheál Martin said any review of Sipo rules must include foreign funding issues.
Tánaiste says Michael D'Arcy should have contacted Sipo prior to taking new job as CEO of funds lobby group
The former junior finance minister is to resign his seat in the Seanad to take up the role.
Renua in talks with 'more than one' Independent TD about becoming leader of the party
The party said that it may also consider changing its name and branding as part of a wider review.
Councillor Hugh McElvaney breached ethics law during undercover RTÉ investigation, SIPO finds
McElvaney was subject of an RTÉ Investigates programme Standard in Public Office, aired in 2015.
Fianna Fáil not happy with Varadkar's 'political attack' during State event with Apple's Tim Cook
Fianna Fáil want Sipo to carry out an investigation.
Minister says 'alternative way' to deal with Dara Murphy complaints will be found as Dáil clerk has 'no jurisdiction'
The Dáil Committee on Members’ Interests is to meet on Thursday but questions remain as to whether they have the power to investigate.
Standards watchdog Sipo says it can't deal with Dara Murphy complaints as he 'has ceased to be a TD'
Leo Varadkar told the Dáil today that Sipo could investigate former members.
Minister Shane Ross asked for "advance all-clear" on expenses paid to him in €37,000 annual allowance
Minister Sean Canney was also asked to provide more information on €3,258 in “policy formulation” expenses that were spent in a string of restaurants around the country.
Councillor faces significant legal bill following failed attempt to stop ethics inquiry
Councillor McElvaney was one of the subjects of an RTÉ Investigates programme in 2015.
Councillor secretly filmed by RTÉ loses court bid to block SIPO inquiry
Justice Garrett Simons said he was satisfied “to dismiss the application in its entirety.”
Political parties received €5.9m in State funding last year
Eight political parties qualified for Exchequer funding in 2018.
Here's who spent the most in the 2018 presidential campaign
SIPO today released details of the expenses and donations during the 2018 presidential election campaign.
Irexit party accepting donations despite not being registered with Standards in Public Office Commission
Two members of the party are running as independents in the upcoming elections.
Ceann Comhairle likely unable to keep Rolex given to him by UAE official
The watch, believed to be worth close to €8,000, may be sold and the money used for charitable purposes.
Sipo finds against two councillors over contraventions of the Ethics in Public Office Act
Sipo today published two separate reports following investigation hearings.
Consultants at Cork and Galway hospitals failed to provide evidence of tax compliance
Sipo investigated the doctors after they missed a deadline by which they had to reply.
New code of conduct for lobbyists comes into effect today
The goal is for lobbying to be carried out in an ethical and transparent manner.
Future Irish elections and referendums will be overseen by a new Electoral Commission
A public consultation on what structure and responsibilities the Commission will have has been launched today.
Land zoning: Watchdog makes findings against two Mayo councillors over conduct
Sipo found that both Frank Durcan and Cyril Burke contravened the code of conduct for elected representatives.
SIPO renews call for rethink on political party funding rules
The Standards in Public Office Commission is tasked with ensuring all parties are in compliance with funding rules.
'I want to succeed Michael D, not replace him': Sean Gallagher formally launches presidential campaign
Gallagher has committed to introduce 20 ‘special initiatives’ in his first 20 weeks in office if he is elected.
Investigation into councillor who asked for 'loads of money' won't hear from undercover RTÉ reporter
An SIPO hearing into Hugh McElvaney’s alleged breach of the ethics of public office heard the reporter was “no doubt attractive”.
Sipo's order that Amnesty should return €137,000 grant is quashed after High Court appeal
The donation was for Amnesty’s ‘My Body, My Rights’ campaign which sought a referendum on the Eighth Amendment.
Watchdog still in talks with gardaí over members' compliance with ethics laws
SIPO is to develop ‘standards of best practice’ for public bodies to ensure they communicate to employees about disclosing their interests.
Gap in law means watchdog can't probe complaints after a TD has left office
SIPO wants the law changed so it has the power to investigate complaints which come to light after a politician has left office.