Ethics

Part 15 of the Local Government Act, 2001 sets out a strong ethical framework for councillors and staff, promoting transparency and accountability. Key features include annual declarations, public registers, disclosure rules, and strict standards of conduct.

• Annual declarations: Members and relevant employees must submit an annual declaration of interests.
• Public register: Each local authority maintains a public register of these interests.
• Disclosure of interests: Members must disclose any financial or beneficial interest they or a “connected person” have in matters before a meeting. Relevant employees must do the same for work-related matters.
• Prohibition on influence: Members and relevant employees cannot influence matters in which they or a connected person have a beneficial interest.
• Ethics Registrar: An official assigned by the manager handles annual declaration forms and related matters.
• Standards of Conduct: Members and relevant employees must maintain integrity, conduct, and concern for the public interest.
• Codes of Conduct: Separate codes for members and staff have been issued by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government.
• Prohibition on fees: Seeking, exacting, or accepting any fee or reward for actions related to their position is prohibited.
• Compliance: Failure to comply with declaration or disclosure requirements is an offence.
• Chief Executive’s duty: The Chief Executive (or Cathaoirleach) must consider actions for any potential contravention of Part 15.

Who are relevant employees?

• Employees with a maximum salary at least equal to that of a senior executive engineer.
• Employees performing functions under the Planning and Development Act 2000 with a salary at least equal to that of a Senior Staff Officer (Grade 6), or with professional or technical qualifications.
• Any other employee designated by the Manager under Section 167.

Galway County Council Members and relevant employees must submit an annual declaration of interests to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest. The process involves:

• Submission deadline: Declarations must be submitted by the last day of February each year.
• Content of declaration: Officials must disclose any interests that could reasonably be seen to influence their official duties. This includes:
  • Property ownership
  • Shares and securities
  • Directorships and partnerships
  • Gifts and hospitality received

Local authority members in Ireland must follow specific rules regarding donations as set out below:

• Reporting donations: Members must report any donations received due to their role, including money, goods, services, or other benefits.
• Thresholds for reporting: Specific amounts (thresholds) must be reported to ensure transparency.
• Annual reports: Members must submit an annual report listing all donations above the set amounts by a certain deadline.
• Prohibited donations: Some donations, such as anonymous donations or those from foreign sources, are not allowed. Members should not accept these.
• Compliance: Members must follow these rules. Non-compliance may result in penalties. The local authority is responsible for checking and enforcing these rules.
• Submission deadline: Declarations must be submitted by the 31st of January each year.

Local Elections (Disclosure of Donations and Expenditure) Act 1999

In Ireland, third party donations for political purposes are regulated to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The Local Elections (Disclosure of Donations and Expenditure) Act 1999, as amended, sets out specific requirements for third parties receiving monetary donations.

Key requirements

1. Registration: Any third party receiving a donation exceeding €100 in a calendar year must register with their local authority.
2. Political donations account: Third parties must open a dedicated political donations account.
3. Financial statement submission: A statement from a financial institution, along with a certificate and statutory declaration, must be submitted to the local authority by March 31st each year.

Definition of a third party

A third party is defined as: “Any person, other than a political party registered in the Register of Political Parties under Part III of the Electoral Act 1992 or a candidate at an election, who accepts, in a particular year, a donation the value of which exceeds €100.”

Purpose of regulation

These regulations aim to:

• Promote transparency: Ensure that all political donations are disclosed and accounted for.
• Prevent undue influence: Limit the potential for large donations to unduly influence political outcomes.
• Enhance accountability: Hold third parties accountable for the sources and use of their donations.

Galway County Council received no notifications in relation to Third Party Political Donations for the years ending 31st December 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

When someone runs in a local election in Ireland, they must follow rules about how much money they can spend and what donations they can accept. These rules help keep elections fair and transparent.

What is a Statement of Donations and Election Expenses?
After the election, every candidate must submit a report to Galway County Council. This statement shows:

• How much money they spent on their campaign
• Where the money came from (donations)
• What the money was spent on
• This is called the Statement of Donations and Election Expenses

When is it due?
Candidates must send in their statement within 90 days after polling day.

How much can a candidate spend?
There are limits based on the size of the area:

€15,350 for areas with over 35,000 people
€13,600 for areas with 18,001–35,000 people
€11,500 for areas with 18,000 people or fewer
 

If a candidate is part of a political party, 10% of their spending limit is usually set aside for the party’s national campaign, unless agreed otherwise.

Members' Declarations and Statements are available for public inspection to promote transparency and public trust which can be viewed in the related links section on this page.

Purpose and benefits

• Promote integrity: Ensures that officials act in the public interest and maintain high ethical standards.
• Prevent conflicts of interest: Identifies and mitigates potential conflicts that could affect decision-making.
• Enhance public trust: Builds confidence in local government by demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Is there a Code of Conduct for councillors?

Yes.  It is available to view here 

Is there a Code of Conduct for employees?

Yes.  It is available to view here 

How do I submit a complaint about a Councillor?

Galway County Council has a clear process for handling complaints. You can find full details in the Protocol for Dealing with Complaints Made Against Elected Members, especially Section 2, which explains how to make a complaint, what information you need to provide, and how your complaint will be handled.

The protocol is available here

How is personal data processed?

This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data in accordance with the Ethical Framework established under Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001.