SIGNIFICANT elements of the Electoral Bill are not expected to be ready in time for the forthcoming general election - even if the legislation is passed next week by the Dail.
The Bill, which allows for State funding of political parties, is making slow progress. It is expected to pass Committee Stage on Thursday and to complete its passage through the Dail next week.
The Bill provides for the disclosure of political donations to politicians and parties. It requires individual politicians to report offerings of £500 or more, and parties to divulge contributions of £4,000 or over.
The acceptance of anonymous donations would be prohibited.
Government sources said last night that if the Bill is law there is no reason the section on disclosure of donations should not be implemented right away.
The legislation also enables candidates to claim up to £5,000 in vouched expenditure if they manage to retain their deposits.
According to sources, the aspect of the Bill dealing with the funding of parties will not apply until after this election.
It proposes that State financing be provided for the day to day running of political parties and would allow a fund based on £1 per elector, which would be distributed between the parties in proportion to votes won.
The Constituency Commission, which would be established under the Bill, would not begin operations until after this election either.
The proposed limits on expenditure face difficulties as, sources say, it does not seem possible that the Public Offices Commission would have time before polling to establish a structure to implement this.