Politicians are about to be issued with a new set of guidelines for the general election covering everything from accepting donations, to buying a round of drinks for voters.
The guide, published by the Standards in Public Office Commission, sets out the rules for prospective candidates who face spending limits for the first time in a general election campaign.
The clock begins ticking on these expenses from the "date of dissolution of the Dáil and up to polling day", according to the guidelines.
However, expenses incurred on property, services, or facilities - such as TDs and senators using Oireachtas envelopes or other facilities available to them - which are paid for out of public funds are not regarded as election expenses.
This rule has caused concern among candidates who are not currently TDs who feel they would be at a disadvantage; and among TDs who in kind feel that Ministers could have an unfair advantage.
Benefits in kind, if used during the election period must be accounted for at their full commercial value.
The expenditure limits for each candidate are: €25,394 in a 3 seat constituency; €31,743 in a 4 seat constituency ; €38,092 in a 5 seat constituency.
There is no limit to the amount of money a third party can spend, although they do have to register with the Commission if they wish to do so.
However, politicians are concerned that, because such groups are not subject to the same limits, they could target certain candidates when the politicians have reached their own spending limit.
Donations with a value of more than €634 from the same person must be disclosed. The maximum value of donations which a candidate may receive from the same person is €2,539. Foreign donations may not be accepted, and anonymous donations exceeding €126 may not be accepted.
The cost of providing refreshments for a candidate or for people campaigning for them is not considered to be an election expense. Excluding the cost of accommodation €20 can be spent per person per day to cover buying drinks and meals.
However, buying a round of drinks for constituents during the campaign would be counted as an election expense.
The guidelines state that to overspend is a criminal offence and a person can petition the High Court to set aside the result of the election. Elected TDs must provide a tax clearance certificate to the Commission within nine months of their election.
The Commission also stated that if a newspaper or magazine or a TV or radio station decides to print or publish items favourable to a particular candidate or political party, "any costs associated therewith is not an election expense".
The guidelines cover the requirements of the Electoral Acts and are aimed at candidates, election agents of candidates and national agents of political parties.
Copies of the guidelines are being sent out this week. Anybody who does not receive a copy has been advised to contact the Commission.