Briefing on TDs' costs delayed

The Public Offices Commission has delayed briefings for TDs, senators and potential election candidates on spending and donations laws until the Government's legislation in the area is passed.

The delay in the briefings poses problems for both the Public Offices Commission and politicians, particularly if an election is called quickly.

A commission official, Mr Paddy Walsh, said: "People could find themselves committing criminal offences. People would be anxious to know what their responsibilities are. The legislation is quite tricky and complex. We felt it desirable they would have guidelines."

Last October, the commission said it would publish clear rules to end the confusion about the day-to-day operation of the Electoral Act 1997, but in a letter to TDs and senators late last week, it admitted it could not now do so.

"There would be little sense in publishing guidelines at this point in time which would be rendered obsolete by developments," wrote Mr Walsh.

The commission has also indicated that TDs' and senators' enjoyment of facilities at Leinster House, including envelopes and telephones, could be restricted in the next election campaign. However, it has clarified election spending rules. Under the current law, candidates can spend up to £20,648 in a five-seater, £17,550 in a four-seater and £14,453 in a three-seater.

Meanwhile, a two-hour meeting of the Select Committee on the Environment, chaired by Independent TD Mr Jackie Healy-Rae, has refused to consider the Labour Bill banning corporate donations. The committee divided seven/seven on the motions to hear the Labour legislation.

Mr Healy-Rae voted with the Government, but under Standing Order 85, questions which divide equally are deemed to have been lost.

Earlier, in the Dail, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said a ban on corporate donations was "a lot of nonsense" because people could take money "out of one till and put it into another".