Courts / Ireland / Report

'The Ditch' in High Court challenge over Taoiseach's donation statements

Summary

In a High Court judicial review, investigative website 'The Ditch' seeks to overturn a refusal by the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) to provide the 2022 annual donation statement of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar before it is presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Ditch claims it requested the statement in August 2023 and was denied, with SIPO arguing that providing the material would "hamper" its compliance function. The Ditch argues the refusal blocks its right under the 1997 Electoral Act to access donation statements and denies it fair procedures. It also seeks access to other politicians' 2022 donation statements. Represented by Michael Conlon SC, the Ditch requests the High Court to quash SIPO's refusal and declare that SIPO has erred in applying the Act. Justice Niamh Hyland granted the case to proceed, with a hearing scheduled for February.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'The Ditch' in High Court challenge over Taoiseach's donation statements. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2023-12-11 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report