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Uimhir 1 de 1998
ACHT AN REIFRINN, 1998
RIAR NA nALT
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7. | Dearbhú gur comhlacht ceadaithe comhlacht chun críocha reifrinn. |
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9. | Oibleagáid faisnéis nó dearbhú reachtúil a sholáthar má cheanglaítear sin. |
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Na hAchtanna dá dTagraítear | |
Acht an Reifrinn, 1994 | 1994, Uimh. 12 |
Achtanna an Reifrinn, 1992 agus 1994 | |
Uimhir 1 de 1998
ACHT AN REIFRINN, 1998
[An tiontú oifigiúil]
ACHT DÁ CHUMASÚ DON AIRE COMHSHAOIL AGUS RIALTAIS ÁITIÚIL COIMISIÚN A BHUNÚ I nDÁIL LE REIFREANN AR A dTABHARFAR COIMISIÚN REIFRINN A mBEIDH DE PHRÍOMHFHEIDHM AIGE FAISNÉIS A CHUR AR FÁIL DON TOGHLACHT MAIDIR LEIS AN REIFREANN AGUS DO DHÉANAMH SOCRÚ I dTAOBH NITHE A BHAINEANN LEIS NA NITHE RÉAMHRÁITE. [26 Feabhra, 1998]
ACHTAÍTEAR AG AN OIREACHTAS MAR A LEANAS:
Léiriú.
1.—(1) San Acht seo, ach amháin mar a n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt—
ciallaíonn “Acht 1994” Acht an Reifrinn, 1994;
ciallaíonn “comhlacht ceadaithe” comhlacht a ndearbhóidh an Coimisiún faoi alt 7 gur comhlacht ceadaithe é;
ciallaíonn “an Coimisiún” an coimisiún a bhunófar faoi alt 2;
folaíonn “feidhmeanna” cumhachtaí agus dualgais agus folaíonn tagairtí do chomhlíonadh feidhmeanna, maidir le cumhachtaí agus dualgais, tagairtí d'fheidhmiú na gcumhachtaí agus do chomhall na ndualgas;
ciallaíonn “an tAire” an tAire Comhshaoil agus Rialtais Áitiúil;
ciallaíonn “reifreann” reifreann bunreachta nó gnáthreifreann.
(2) San Acht seo—
(a) déanfar tagairt d'aon achtachán, mura n-éileoidh an comhthéacs a mhalairt, a fhorléiriú mar thagairt don achtachán sin arna leasú nó arna leathnú le haon achtachán dá éis sin nó faoi aon achtachán dá éis sin, lena n-áirítear an tAcht seo,
(b) aon tagairt d'alt, is tagairt í d'alt den Acht seo mura gcuirtear in iúl gur tagairt d'achtachán éigin eile atá beartaithe,
(c) aon tagairt d'fho-alt, do mhír nó d'fhomhír, is tagairt í don fho-alt, don mhír nó don fhomhír den fhoráil ina bhfuil an tagairt, mura gcuirtear in iúl gur tagairt d'fhoráil éigin eile atá beartaithe.
Bunú agus comhaltas an Choimisiúin.
2.—(1) Aon uair a bheidh reifreann le bheith ann, nó, i gcás reifrinn bunreachta, a tharlóidh go mbeidh sé le bheith ann, féadfaidh an tAire le hordú, más cuí leis nó léi, coimisiún a bhunú ar a dtabharfar an Coimisiún Reifrinn agus dá ngairtear “an Coimisiún” san Acht seo chun na feidhmeanna a thugtar dó leis an Acht seo a chomhlíonadh.
(2) Déanfar ordú faoi fho-alt (1)—
(a) i gcás reifrinn bunreachta, tráth nach luaithe ná an dáta a thionscnófar an Bille lena mbaineann i nDáil Éireann, agus
(b) i gcás gnáthreifrinn, tráth nach déanaí ná dáta an t-ordú iomchuí a dhéanamh faoi alt 12 d'Acht 1994.
(3) Beidh an Coimisiún neamhspleách i gcomhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna.
(4) Is é a bheidh ar an gCoimisiún cathaoirleach agus 4 ghnáthchomhalta.
(5) Is é nó í a bheidh ina chathaoirleach nó ina cathaoirleach—
(a) iarbhreitheamh den Chúirt Uachtarach nó iarbhreitheamh den Ard-Chúirt, nó
(b) tar éis dul i gcomhairle le hUachtarán na hArd-Chúirte, breitheamh den Ard-Chúirt,
arna ainmniú nó arna hainmniú ag an bPríomh-Bhreitheamh.
(6) Is iad a bheidh ina ngnáthchomhaltaí—
(a) an tArd-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste, nó i gcás ina mbeidh an oifig folamh, Rúnaí agus Stiúrthóir Iniúchta Oifig an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste,
(b) an tOmbudsman, nó i gcás ina mbeidh an oifig folamh, Stiúrthóir Oifig an Ombudsman,
(c) Cléireach Dháil Éireann, nó i gcás ina mbeidh an oifig folamh, Leas-Chléireach Dháil Éireann, agus
(d) Cléireach Sheanad Éireann, nó i gcás ina mbeidh an oifig folamh, Leas-Chléireach Sheanad Éireann.
(7) (a) Más rud é, sula mbeidh comhlíonadh fheidhmeanna an Choimisiúin curtha i gcrích, go gcuirfidh comhalta den Choimisiún in iúl don Aire go bhfuil sé nó sí ar chúis ar bith neamhábalta go sealadach gníomhú mar chomhalta den sórt sin, ansin—
(i) i gcás an chathaoirligh, tiocfaidh iarbhreitheamh den Chúirt Uachtarach nó breitheamh nó iarbhreitheamh den Ard-Chúirt, arna ainmniú nó arna hainmniú ag an bPríomh-Bhreitheamh tar éis dul i gcomhairle, i gcás breithimh den Ard-Chúirt, le hUachtarán na hArd-Chúirte,
(ii) i gcás an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste, tiocfaidh Rúnaí agus Stiúrthóir Iniúchta Oifig an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste,
(iii) i gcás an Ombudsman, tiocfaidh Stiúrthóir Oifig an Ombudsman,
(iv) i gcás Chléireach Dháil Éireann, tiocfaidh Leas-Chléireach Dháil Éireann, agus
(v) i gcás Chléireach Sheanad Éireann, tiocfaidh Leas-Chléireach Sheanad Éireann,
chun bheith, agus beidh sé nó sí, ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den Choimisiún fad a mhairfidh an neamhábaltacht sin.
(b) I gcás ina dtiocfaidh duine chun bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den Choimisiún de bhun mhír (a) fad a mhairfidh neamhábaltacht, measfar, maidir leis an gcomhalta den Choimisiún a bheidh neamhábalta go sealadach gníomhú mar chomhalta den sórt sin, nach comhalta den Choimisiún é nó í fad a mhairfidh an neamhábaltacht sin.
(8) I gcás ina n-ainmneoidh an Príomh-Bhreitheamh duine faoi fho-alt (5) nó (7), tabharfaidh sé nó sí fógra i scríbhinn don Aire maidir le hainm an duine a bheidh ainmnithe amhlaidh agus déanfaidh an tAire, ar an bhfógra a fháil, lá a cheapadh chun críocha na bhfo-alt sin agus ar an lá sin tiocfaidh an duine chun bheith, agus beidh sé nó sí, ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den Choimisiún.
(9) (a) Más rud é, sula mbeidh comhlíonadh fheidhmeanna an Choimisiúin curtha i gcrích, go scoirfidh comhalta den Choimisiún den oifig a shealbhú ar dá bua a tháinig sé nó sí chun bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den Choimisiún, leanfaidh sé nó sí de bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den Choimisiún go dtí go mbeidh comhlíonadh na bhfeidhmeanna sin curtha i gcrích, mura n-ordóidh an tAire a mhalairt.
(b) Ní bheidh feidhm ag forálacha fho-alt (6) i gcás ina leanfaidh duine de bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den Choimisiún de bhun mhír (a).
(10) Féadfaidh an Coimisiún gníomhú d'ainneoin folúntais amháin nó níos mó i measc a chomhaltaí.
(11) Ní dhéanfaidh comhalta den Choimisiún toradh áirithe a mholadh ná a chur chun cinn sa reifreann ar ina leith a bunaíodh an Coimisiún.
(12) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, déanfaidh Coimisiún, le buanorduithe nó ar shlí eile, nós imeachta agus gnó an Choimisiúin a chinneadh.
(13) Cuirfidh an tAire Airgeadais ar fáil do Choimisiún cibé saoráidí agus seirbhísí réasúnacha (lena n-áirítear seirbhísí cléireachais, rúnaíochta agus feidhmiúcháin) a chinnfidh an tAire Airgeadais, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an gCoimisiún.
(14) Beidh na nithe seo a leanas faoi phribhléid iomlán:
(a) doiciméid an Choimisiúin, agus doiciméid a chomhaltaí a bhaineann leis an gCoimisiún nó lena fheidhmeanna, cibé áit a bhfoilsítear iad;
(b) tuarascálacha an Choimisiúin, cibé áit a bhfoilsítear iad;
(c) ráitis a dhéanfaidh a chomhaltaí nó a oifigigh ar aon dóigh ag cruinnithe nó suíonna den Choimisiún agus na ráitis sin cibé áit a bhfoilseofar iad dá éis sin;
(d) aighneachtaí a dhéanfar chuig an gCoimisiún faoi alt 6.
(15) Gach ordú a dhéanfaidh an tAire faoin Acht seo, leagfar faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas é a luaithe is féidir tar éis é a dhéanamh.
Feidhmeanna an Choimisiúin.
3.—(1) Beidh ag an gCoimisiún, i dteannta aon fheidhmeanna a thugtar dó le haon fhoráil eile den Acht seo, na príomhfheidhmeanna seo a leanas i ndáil leis an reifreann ar ina leith a bhunaítear é:
(a) na nithe seo a leanas a ullmhú—
(i) ráiteas nó ráitis ina mbeidh míniú ginearálta ar ábhar an togra agus ar théacs an togra sa Bhille iomchuí agus aon fhaisnéis eile a bhaineann leis na nithe sin agus is cuí leis an gCoimisiún, agus
(ii) ráiteas nó ráitis ag féachaint d'aon aighneachtaí faoi alt 6 maidir leis an togra lena mbaineann an reifreann agus ina leagfar amach na hargóintí i bhfabhar an togra agus ina choinne,
agus tabharfaidh na ráitis cothrom na féinne do na leasanna uile lena mbaineann;
(b) na ráitis sin a fhoilsiú agus a dháileadh i cibé slí agus ar cibé modh, lena n-áirítear úsáid na teilifíse, an raidió agus meán leictreonach eile, is mó is dóigh leis an gCoimisiún a tharraingeoidh aird na toghlachta orthu agus a áirithiú a mhéid is indéanta, maidir leis na modhanna a úsáidfear, go gcumasóidh siad do dhaoine a bhfuil míchumas radhairc nó éisteachta orthu na ráitis lena mbaineann a léamh nó a chloisteáil;
(c) díospóireacht nó plé a chothú agus a chur chun cinn agus, i gcás inar cuí sin, a éascú i modh a thabharfaidh cothrom na féinne do na leasanna uile lena mbaineann i ndáil leis an togra réamhráite.
(2) Beidh ag an gCoimisiún na cumhachtaí sin uile a mheasfaidh sé is gá nó is fóirsteanach chun a fheidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh lena n-áirítear, ach gan dochar do ghinearáltacht an mhéid sin roimhe seo, na cumhachtaí seo a leanas:
(a) bróisiúir, bileoga, paimfléid agus póstaeir a ullmhú, a fhoilsiú agus a dháileadh, agus
(b) na ráitis réamhráite a dháileadh ar gach toghthóir uachtaráin nó ar gach teaghlach.
(3) I gcás an Coimisiún a bheith bunaithe sula ritear an Bille ina bhfuil an togra nó na tograí lena mbaineann chun an Bunreacht a leasú, ní fhoilseoidh an Coimisiún aon ráiteas faoin alt seo ná ní thabhóidh sé aon chaiteachas gan toiliú an Aire Airgeadais roimh an mBille sin a rith.
Sainchomhairleoirí agus comhairleoirí.
4.—Féadfaidh an Coimisiún ó am go ham cibé sainchomhairleoirí nó comhairleoirí a fhostú a mheasfaidh sé is gá nó is fóirsteanach chun a fheidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh agus déanfaidh an Coimisiún aon luach saothair a bheidh dlite do shainchomhairleoir nó do chomhairleoir a fhostófar faoin alt seo a íoc as airgead a bheidh faoina réir aige, ag féachaint do threoirlínte a bheidh eisithe ó am go ham ag an Aire Airgeadais agus, i dteannta an mhéid sin roimhe seo, déanfaidh an Coimisiún de réir aon ordachán (a gcumhachtaítear don Aire Airgeadais leis seo iad a thabhairt) a thabharfaidh an tAire Airgeadais don Choimisiún maidir leis na sainchomhairleoirí agus na comhairleoirí sin.
Fógráin etc., ag an gCoimisiún.
5.—(1) Ní bheidh feidhm ag alt 20(4) den Acht um Údarás Craolacháin, 1960, agus alt 10(3) den Acht Raidió agus Teilifíse, 1988, maidir le fógráin a chraolfar ar iarraidh ón gCoimisiún i ndáil le hábhar dá dtagraítear in alt 3 maidir leis an reifreann.
(2) Déanfaidh an tAire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gaeltachta agus Oileán, má iarrann an Coimisiún air nó uirthi amhlaidh, tar éis don Choimisiún dul i gcomhairle le Radio Telefís Éireann (“an tÚdarás”) agus tar éis breithniú a dhéanamh ar aon tograí ón Údarás le haghaidh craoltaí i dtaca leis an reifreann a chuireann an tÚdarás in iúl don Choimisiún, a ordú i scríbhinn don Údarás am craolacháin a leithroinnt chun a urasú don Choimisiún a fheidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh, agus déanfaidh an tÚdarás de réir ordacháin faoin bhfo-alt seo.
(3) Déanfaidh an tAire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gaeltachta agus Oileán, má iarrann an Coimisiún air nó uirthi amhlaidh tar éis don Choimisiún dul i gcomhairle leis an gCoimisiún um Raidió agus Teilifís Neamhspleách (“an Coimisiún Neamhspleách”) agus tar éis breithniú a dhéanamh ar aon tograí ón gCoimisiún Neamhspleách le haghaidh craoltaí i dtaca leis an reifreann ag conraitheoirí craolacháin fuaime nó conraitheoirí seirbhíse clár teilifíse a chuireann an Coimisiún Neamhspleách in iúl don Choimisiún, a ordú i scríbhinn don Choimisiún Neamhspleách socrú a dhéanamh le haghaidh soláthair seirbhísí le haghaidh an Choimisiúin agus thar a cheann (fara muirear nó gan mhuirear) lena n-áirítear leithroinnt ama craolacháin chun a urasú don Choimisiún a fheidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh, agus déanfaidh an Coimisiún Neamhspleách de réir ordacháin faoin bhfo-alt seo.
Aighneachtaí chuig an gCoimisiún i ndáil le reifreann.
6.—Féadfaidh duine aighneacht a dhéanamh i scríbhinn nó leis an bpost leictreonach chuig an gCoimisiún i ndáil leis an togra is ábhar don reifreann laistigh de cibé am a shonróidh an Coimisiún.
Dearbhú gur comhlacht ceadaithe comhlacht chun críocha reifrinn.
7.—(1) Ar iarratas chuige sin de réir an ailt seo chun an Choimisiúin ó chomhlacht, féadfaidh an Coimisiún dearbhú a dhéanamh gur comhlacht ceadaithe an comhlacht chun críocha an reifrinn lena mbaineann agus ar ina leith a bunaíodh an Coimisiún.
(2) Maidir le hiarratas faoi fho-alt (1), beidh sé i scríbhinn agus i bhfoirm a bheidh sonraithe ag an gCoimisiún nó i bhfoirm a mbeidh an éifeacht chéanna léi agus déanfar é laistigh de cibé am a shonróidh an Coimisiún agus áireofar ann seoladh an chomhlachta lena mbaineann sa Stát.
(3) I gcás ina ndéanfaidh comhlacht iarratas faoin alt seo, ainmneoidh sé duine chun bheith ina oifigeach nó ina hoifigeach údaraithe dó chun críocha an Achta seo (dá ngairtear “oifigeach údaraithe” ina dhiaidh seo san Acht seo) agus beidh ainm agus seoladh an duine a bheidh ainmnithe amhlaidh ar áireamh san fhoirm iarratais.
(4) Féadfaidh Coimisiún diúltú dearbhú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1) más rud é—
(a) i dtuairim an Choimisiúin, nach bhfuil leas bona fide ag an gcomhlacht lena mbaineann sa togra is ábhar don reifreann lena mbaineann,
(b) go mainneoidh nó go ndiúltóidh sé déanamh de réir fhorálacha an ailt seo nó alt 9, nó
(c) gurb ionann ainm an chomhlachta agus ainm aon pháirtí atá cláraithe i gClár na bPáirtithe Polaitíochta nó go bhfuil ainm an chomhlachta, i dtuairim an Choimisiúin, chomh cosúil sin le hainm den sórt sin gur dóigh dó daoine a chur ar míthreoir, a mhearú nó a mheabhlú.
(5) Ar iarratas a chinneadh faoin alt seo déanfaidh an Coimisiún a luaithe is féidir—
(a) le fógra i scríbhinn (a fhéadfar a chur leis an bpost), an cinneadh a chur in iúl don chomhlacht lena mbaineann agus, más diúltú é dearbhú a dhéanamh faoin alt seo, beidh ráiteas san fhógra maidir leis na cúiseanna atá leis an diúltú, agus
(b) fógra a fhoilsiú san Iris Oifigiúil maidir le toradh an chinnidh.
(6) Ní dhéanfaidh duine faisnéis bhréagach a thabhairt go feasach don Choimisiún i ndáil le hiarratas faoin alt seo.
(7) Aon duine a sháróidh an t-alt seo beidh sé nó sí ciontach i gcion agus dlífear, ar é nó í a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £500 nó príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 3 mhí, nó iad araon, a chur air nó uirthi.
(8) I gcás inar deimhin leis an gCoimisiún gur tugadh faisnéis bhréagach dó faoin alt seo, déanfaidh an Coimisiún aon dearbhú a bheidh déanta aige i ndáil leis an iarratas lena mbaineann a chúlghairm agus, a luaithe is féidir, déanfaidh sé an chúlghairm agus na cúiseanna atá léi a chur in iúl don chomhlacht lena mbaineann.
(9) (a) Faoi réir mhír (b), san alt seo ciallaíonn “comhlacht” comhlacht corpraithe nó comhlacht neamhchorpraithe atá bunaithe sa Stát nó a bhfuil brainse de bunaithe sa Stát agus atá faoi rialú ag bunreacht, meabhrán comhlachais nó doiciméad eile den sórt sin nó ag rialacha scríofa eile agus a bhfuil comhaltas nach lú ná 300 aige.
(b) Páirtí polaitíochta a bheidh cláraithe de thuras na huaire i gClár na bPáirtithe Polaitíochta, measfar gur comhlacht é.
Foilsiú fógraí ag an gCoimisiún.
8.—Déanfaidh an Coimisiún, a luaithe is féidir tar éis a bhunaithe, fógra a fhoilsiú in dhá nuachtán náisiúnta nó níos mó—
(a) ina gcuirfear in iúl go bhféadfaidh duine aighneachtaí a dhéanamh i scríbhinn nó leis an bpost leictreonach chuig an gCoimisiún i ndáil leis an togra is ábhar don reifreann,
(b) ina gcuirfear in iúl go bhféadfaidh comhlacht iarratas ar dhearbhú faoi alt 7 a dhéanamh chun an Choimisiúin,
(c) ina sonrófar teorainneacha ama maidir leis na haighneachtaí agus na hiarratais sin a fháil, agus
(d) ina sonrófar na nósanna imeachta chun na haighneachtaí agus na hiarratais sin a dhéanamh.
Oibleagáid faisnéis nó dearbhú reachtúil a sholáthar má cheanglaítear sin.
9.—(1) Maidir le comhlacht a dhéanfaidh iarratas ar dhearbhú faoi alt 7, féadfaidh an Coimisiún an fhaisnéis nó na doiciméid sin go léir a bheidh i seilbh an chomhlachta nó a bheidh ar fáil aige a iarraidh air, is faisnéis nó doiciméid a theastóidh le réasún ón gCoimisiún chun an t-iarratas a chinneadh.
(2) Aon uair a dhéanfaidh an Coimisiún iarraidh faoi fho-alt (1), déanfaidh oifigeach údaraithe an chomhlachta an fhaisnéis nó na doiciméid a thabhairt don Choimisiún laistigh den am (nach faide ná 7 lá ón dáta a ndéantar an iarraidh) a bheidh sonraithe san iarraidh agus, mura ndéanfaidh an t-oifigeach de réir na hiarrata, measfar iarratas an chomhlachta sin ar dhearbhú faoi alt 7 a bheith tarraingthe siar.
(3) Féadfaidh an Coimisiún a cheangal, maidir le faisnéis a thabharfar don Choimisiún faoin alt seo, go mbeidh ag gabháil léi dearbhú reachtúil arna dhéanamh ag an oifigeach údaraithe lena mbaineann á dhearbhú go bhfuil an fhaisnéis, de réir mar is fearr is eol don duine agus mar a chreideann sé nó sí, cruinn i ngach ponc ábhartha agus go bhfuil gach beart réasúnach glactha ag an duine chun cruinneas na faisnéise a áirithiú.
(4) Aon duine a thabharfaidh faisnéis bhréagach go feasach de bhun iarrata faoin alt seo, beidh sé nó sí ciontach i gcion.
(5) Aon duine a bheidh ciontach i gcion faoin alt seo dlífear, ar é nó í a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £500 nó príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 3 mhí, nó iad araon, a chur air nó uirthi.
(6) I gcás inar deimhin leis an gCoimisiún gur tugadh faisnéis bhréagach dó faoin alt seo, déanfaidh an Coimisiún aon dearbhú a bheidh déanta aige i ndáil leis an iarratas lena mbaineann a chúlghairm agus, a luaithe is féidir, déanfaidh sé an chúlghairm agus na cúiseanna atá léi a chur in iúl don chomhlacht lena mbaineann.
Fógra a thabhairt do cheann comhairimh an reifrinn agus don cheann comhairimh áitiúil maidir le mionsonraí comhlachta cheadaithe.
10.—(1) A luaithe is indéanta tar éis don Choimisiún dearbhú a dhéanamh faoi alt 7 nó dearbhú a chúlghairm faoi alt 7 nó 9, de réir mar a bheidh, i leith comhlachta, tabharfaidh an Coimisiún fógra do cheann comhairimh an reifrinn maidir le hainm agus seoladh an chomhlachta agus ainm agus seoladh oifigeach údaraithe an chomhlachta.
(2) Déanfaidh ceann comhairimh an reifrinn, a luaithe is indéanta tar éis fógra faoi fho-alt (1) a fháil, na sonraí a bheidh curtha in iúl dó nó di amhlaidh faoi fho-alt (1) a chur in iúl do gach ceann comhairimh áitiúil.
Comhlacht ceadaithe do cheapadh gníomhairí i reifreann.
11.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha alt 26 d'Acht 1994 a chuirtear chun feidhme le fo-alt (3), féadfaidh comhlacht ceadaithe duine nó daoine a cheapadh chun gníomhú mar ghníomhaire don chomhlacht sa reifreann lena mbaineann chun bheith i láthair—
(a) ag eisiúint páipéar ballóide chuig postvótálaithe,
(b) ag oscailt na mboscaí postbhallóide, agus
(c) ag comhaireamh na vótaí,
sa reifreann.
(2) Féadfaidh comhlacht ceadaithe gníomhaire pearsanaíochta amháin a cheapadh chun bheith i láthair mar ghníomhaire don chomhlacht i ngach stáisiún vótaíochta chun cuidiú le pearsanaíocht a bhrath, agus is i scríbhinn a bheidh an ceapachán sin.
(3) Beidh feidhm ag forálacha fho-ailt (2), (4) go (9), (11) agus (12) d'alt 26 d'Acht 1994 maidir le daoine a cheapfar chun gníomhú mar ghníomhairí faoin alt seo mar atá feidhm acu maidir le gníomhairí a cheapfar faoin alt sin 26 fairis an modhnú go bhfolóidh tagairtí do chomhalta den Dáil tagairtí do chomhlacht ceadaithe agus fara aon mhodhnuithe eile is gá.
Achainí reifrinn.
12.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 43 d'Acht 1994 tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh fho-alt (2):
“(3) Ní cheisteofar deimhniú reifrinn sealadach mar gheall ar neamhchomhlíonadh aon fhorála atá in Acht an Reifrinn, 1998, ag an gCoimisiún Reifrinn nó mar gheall ar dhearmad a bheidh déanta ag an gCoimisiún Reifrinn más dealraitheach don Ard-Chúirt go ndearna an Coimisiún Reifrinn de réir na bprionsabal atá leagtha síos san Acht sin agus nach ndearna an neamhchomhlíonadh nó an dearmad sin difear ábhartha do thoradh an reifrinn.”.
Airleacain don Choimisiún.
13.—Déanfaidh an tAire a thionscain an Bille ina bhfuil an togra is ábhar don reifreann lena mbaineann, le toiliú an Aire Airgeadais, cibé suimeanna a chinnfidh an tAire a airleacan don Choimisiún, as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas, chun críocha caiteachais ag an gCoimisiún i gcomhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna.
Tuarascálacha agus faisnéis don Aire.
14.—(1) A luaithe is féidir tar éis comhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna faoin Acht seo a bheith curtha i gcrích, ach tráth nach déanaí ná 6 mhí dá éis sin, déanfaidh an Coimisiún tuarascáil i scríbhinn a ullmhú agus a chur faoi bhráid an Aire i ndáil le comhlíonadh na bhfeidhmeanna sin aige agus cuirfidh an tAire faoi deara cóipeanna den tuarascáil sin a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas.
(2) Déanfaidh an Coimisiún, aon uair a iarrfaidh an tAire air amhlaidh, faisnéis a thabhairt don Aire i ndáil le cibé nithe a shonróidh sé nó sí maidir le gníomhaíochtaí an Choimisiúin i gcoitinne nó i leith aon tuarascála a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1).
(3) Beidh an Coimisiún arna dhíscaoileadh mí amháin tar éis an tuarascáil faoi fho-alt (1) a chur faoi bhráid an Aire.
Leasú ar Acht 1994.
15.—Leasaítear leis seo Acht 1994—
(a) in alt 2(3), trí na míreanna seo a leanas a chur in ionad mhíreanna (f), (g), (h), (m) agus (v):
“(f) dá mba thagairt d'alt 26 agus d'alt 11 d'Acht an Reifrinn, 1998, an tagairt in alt 67 den Acht sin d'alt 60 de, agus dá gcuirfí ‘na gníomhairí’ in ionad ‘gníomhairí na n-iarrthóirí’,
(g) dá mba thagairtí do gach comhalta den Dáil don dáilcheantar agus gach comhalta den Seanad a chónaíonn sa dáilcheantar lena mbaineann agus gach comhlacht ceadaithe de réir bhrí Acht an Reifrinn, 1998, na tagairtí in alt 68 den Acht sin do gach iarrthóir agus dá scriosfaí ‘má théitear in iomaidh sa toghchán’,
(h) dá mba thagairtí do gach comhalta den Dáil don dáilcheantar agus gach comhalta den Seanad a chónaíonn sa dáilcheantar lena mbaineann agus gach comhlacht ceadaithe de réir bhrí Acht an Reifrinn, 1998, na tagairtí in alt 73 den Acht sin do gach iarrthóir,
(m) in alt 95 den Acht sin, dá gcuirfí ‘do chomhalta den Dáil don dáilcheantar agus d'aon chomhalta den Seanad agus do dhuine a bheidh údaraithe i scríbhinn ag oifigeach údaraithe comhlachta cheadaithe de réir bhrí Acht an Reifrinn, 1998’ in ionad ‘do dhuine ar deimhin leis ina leith gur duine é a bhfuil leas bona fide aige sa toghchán Dála mar iarrthóir nó mar iarrthóir ionchasach, nó do ghníomhaire duine den sórt sin’,
(v) in alt 113 den Acht sin, da mba thagairtí do gach comhalta den Dáil don dáilcheantar agus gach comhalta den Seanad a chónaíonn sa dáilcheantar agus gach comhlacht ceadaithe de réir bhrí Acht an Reifrinn, 1998, na tagairtí do ‘gach iarrthóir’, agus dá gcuirfí ‘na gníomhairí’ in ionad ‘gníomhairí na n-iarrthóirí’ i bhfo-alt (2) agus in ionad ‘ghníomhairí na n-iarrthóirí’ i bhfo-alt (3),”,
(b) in alt 27(1), trí “ná do chomhlacht ceadaithe de réir bhrí Acht an Reifrinn, 1998” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “sa reifreann sin”, agus
(c) in alt 28—
(i) i bhfo-alt (4), trí “agus do gach comhlacht ceadaithe de réir bhrí Acht an Reifrinn, 1998” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “a chónaíonn sa dáilcheantar”, agus
(ii) i bhfo-alt (5), trí “d'aon chomhalta den sórt sin den Seanad agus tagairt do ghníomhaire arna cheapadh ag comhlacht ceadaithe de réir bhrí Acht an Reifrinn, 1998” a chur in ionad “d'aon chomhalta den Seanad.”.
Forálacha i ndáil le cionta.
16.—(1) I gcás ina ndéanfaidh comhlacht corpraithe cion faoin Acht seo agus go gcruthófar go ndearnadh amhlaidh é le toiliú, le cúlcheadú nó le ceadú, nó gurbh inchurtha é i leith aon fhaillí toiliúla ar thaobh, aon duine is stiúrthóir, bainisteoir, rúnaí nó aon oifigeach eile de chuid an chomhlachta chorpraithe nó duine a d'airbheartaigh gníomhú in aon cháil den sórt sin, beidh an duine sin, chomh maith leis an gcomhlacht corpraithe, ciontach i gcion agus dlífear imeachtaí a shaothrú ina choinne nó ina coinne agus é nó í a phionósú amhail is dá mbeadh sé nó sí ciontach sa chion céadluaite.
(2) Ní dhéanfar imeachtaí i leith ciona faoi nAcht seo a thionscnamh ach amháin ag an Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí nó le toiliú uaidh nó uaithi.
Gearrtheideal, comhlua agus forléiriú.
17.—(1) Féadfar Acht an Reifrinn, 1998, a ghairm den Acht seo.
(2) Féadfar Achtanna an Reifrinn, 1992 go 1998, a ghairm d'Achtanna an Reifrinn, 1992 agus 1994, agus den Acht seo, le chéile, agus forléireofar le chéile iad mar aon ní amháin.
Number 1 of 1998
REFERENDUM ACT, 1998
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Section | |
Declaration that body is an approved body for purposes of a referendum. | |
Obligation to provide information or statutory declaration if required. | |
Acts Referred to | |
1960, No. 10 | |
1988, No. 20 | |
1994, No. 12 | |
Referendum Acts, 1992 and 1994 | |
Number 1 of 1998
REFERENDUM ACT, 1998
Interpretation.
1.—(1) In this Act except where the context otherwise requires—
“the Act of 1994” means the Referendum Act, 1994;
“approved body” means a body declared by the Commission under section 7 to be an approved body;
“the Commission” means the commission established under section 2;
“functions” includes powers and duties and references to the performance of functions include, as respects powers and duties, references to the exercise of the powers and the carrying out of the duties;
“the Minister” means the Minister for the Environment and Local Government;
“referendum” means a constitutional referendum or an ordinary referendum.
(2) In this Act—
(a) a reference to any enactment shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be construed as a reference to that enactment as amended or extended by or under any subsequent enactment including this Act,
(b) a reference to a section is a reference to a section of this Act unless it is indicated that reference to some other enactment is intended,
(c) a reference to a subsection, paragraph or subparagraph is a reference to the subsection, paragraph or subparagraph of the provision in which the reference occurs unless it is indicated that reference to some other provision is intended.
Establishment and membership of Commission.
2.—(1) Whenever a referendum falls to be held, or, in the case of a constitutional referendum, may fall to be held, the Minister may, if he or she considers it appropriate, by order establish a commission which shall be known as the Referendum Commission and is referred to in this Act as “the Commission” to perform the functions conferred on it by this Act.
(2) An order under subsection (1) shall be made—
(a) in the case of a constitutional referendum, not earlier than the date on which the Bill concerned is initiated in Dáil Éireann, and
(b) in the case of an ordinary referendum, not later than the date of the making of the relevant order under section 12 of the Act of 1994.
(3) The Commission shall be independent in the performance of its functions.
(4) The Commission shall consist of a chairperson and 4 ordinary members.
(5) The chairperson shall be—
(a) a former judge of the Supreme Court or a former judge of the High Court, or
(b) following consultation with the President of the High Court, a judge of the High Court,
nominated by the Chief Justice.
(6) The ordinary members shall be—
(a) the Comptroller and Auditor General, or where the office is vacant, the Secretary and Director of Audit of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General,
(b) the Ombudsman, or where the office is vacant, the Director of the Office of the Ombudsman,
(c) the Clerk of Dáil Éireann, or where the office is vacant, the Clerk Assistant of Dáil Éireann, and
(d) the Clerk of Seanad Éireann, or where the office is vacant, the Clerk Assistant of Seanad Éireann.
(7) (a) Where, before the completion of the performance of the functions of the Commission, a member of the Commission notifies the Minister that he or she is for any reason temporarily unable to act as such member then—
(i) in the case of the chairperson, a former judge of the Supreme Court, or a judge or former judge of the High Court, nominated by the Chief Justice following consultation in the case of a judge of the High Court with the President of the High Court,
(ii) in the case of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Secretary and Director of Audit of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General,
(iii) in the case of the Ombudsman, the Director of the Office of the Ombudsman,
(iv) in the case of the Clerk of Dáil Éireann, the Clerk Assistant of Dáil Éireann, and
(v) in the case of the Clerk of Seanad Éireann, the Clerk Assistant of Seanad Éireann,
shall become and be a member of the Commission for the duration of such inability.
(b) Where a person becomes a member of the Commission pursuant to paragraph (a) for the duration of an inability, the member of the Commission who is temporarily unable to act as such member shall be deemed for such duration not to be a member of the Commission.
(8) Where the Chief Justice nominates a person under subsection (5) or (7), he or she shall notify the Minister in writing of the name of the person so nominated and upon receipt of the notification the Minister shall appoint a day for the purposes of those subsections and upon that day the person shall become and be a member of the Commission.
(9) (a) Where, before the completion of the performance of the functions of the Commission, a member of the Commission ceases to hold the office by virtue of which he or she became a member of the Commission, he or she shall continue to be a member of the Commission until the performance of those functions have been completed, unless otherwise directed by the Minister.
(b) The provisions of subsection (6) shall not apply in a case where a person continues to be a member of the Commission pursuant to paragraph (a).
(10) The Commission may act notwithstanding one or more vacancies among its members.
(11) A member of the Commission shall not advocate or promote a particular result at the referendum in respect of which the Commission has been established.
(12) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a Commission shall determine, by standing orders or otherwise, the procedure and business of the Commission.
(13) The Minister for Finance shall make available to a Commission such reasonable facilities and services (including clerical, secretarial and executive services) as the Minister for Finance, after consultation with the Commission, shall determine.
(14) The following shall be absolutely privileged:
(a) documents of the Commission, and documents of its members connected with the Commission or its functions, wherever published;
(b) reports of the Commission, wherever published;
(c) statements made in any form at meetings or sittings of the Commission by its members or officials and such statements wherever published subsequently;
(d) submissions made to the Commission under section 6.
(15) Every order made by the Minister under this Act shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made.
Functions of Commission.
3.—(1) The Commission shall have, in addition to any functions conferred on it by any other provision of this Act, the following principal functions in relation to the referendum in respect of which it is established:
(a) to prepare—
(i) a statement or statements containing a general explanation of the subject matter of the proposal and of the text thereof in the relevant Bill and any other information relating to those matters that the Commission considers appropriate, and
(ii) a statement or statements having regard to any submissions under section 6 concerning the proposal to which the referendum relates and setting out the arguments for and against the proposal,
and the statements shall be fair to all interests concerned;
(b) to publish and distribute such statements in such manner and by such means including the use of television, radio and other electronic media as the Commission considers most likely to bring them to the attention of the electorate and to ensure as far as practicable that the means employed enable those with a sight or hearing disability to read or hear the statements concerned;
(c) to foster and promote and, where appropriate, to facilitate debate or discussion in a manner that is fair to all interests concerned in relation to the proposal aforesaid.
(2) The Commission shall have all such powers as it considers necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions including, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the following powers:
(a) to prepare, publish and distribute brochures, leaflets, pamphlets and posters, and
(b) to distribute the statements aforesaid to each presidential elector or each household.
(3) If the Commission is established before the passing of the Bill containing the proposal or proposals concerned to amend the Constitution, the Commission shall not publish any statement under this section or incur any expenditure without the consent of the Minister for Finance before such passing.
Consultants and advisers.
4.—The Commission may from time to time engage such consultants or advisers as it may consider necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions, and any remuneration due to a consultant or adviser engaged under this section shall be paid by the Commission out of moneys at its disposal having regard to guidelines issued from time to time by the Minister for Finance and, in addition to the foregoing, the Commission shall comply with any directions (which the Minister for Finance is hereby empowered to give) given by the Minister for Finance to the Commission with regard to such consultants and advisers.
Advertisements etc., by Commission.
5.—(1) Section 20(4) of the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960, and section 10(3) of the Radio and Television Act, 1988, shall not apply to advertisements broadcast at the request of the Commission in relation to a matter referred to in section 3 concerning the referendum.
(2) The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, if so requested by the Commission following consultation by the Commission with Radio Telefís Éireann (“the Authority”) and consideration of any proposals of the Authority for broadcasts in connection with the referendum that it communicates to the Commission, shall direct the Authority in writing to allocate broadcasting time to facilitate the Commission in performing its functions, and the Authority shall comply with a direction under this subsection.
(3) The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, if so requested by the Commission following consultation by the Commission with An Coimisiún Um Radio agus Telefís Neamhspleách—The Independent Radio and Television Commission (“the Independent Commission”) and consideration of any proposals of the Independent Commission for broadcasts in connection with the referendum by sound broadcasting contractors or television programme service contractors that it communicates to the Commission, shall direct the Independent Commission in writing to arrange for the provision for and on behalf of the Commission of services (with or without charge) including the allocation of broadcasting time to facilitate the Commission in performing its functions, and the Independent Commission shall comply with a direction under this subsection.
Submissions to Commission in relation to referendum.
6.—A person may make a submission in writing or by electronic mail to the Commission in relation to the proposal the subject of the referendum within such time as the Commission may specify.
Declaration that body is an approved body for purposes of a referendum.
7.—(1) On application in that behalf in accordance with this section to the Commission by a body, the Commission may make a declaration that the body is an approved body for the purposes of the referendum concerned in respect of which the Commission was established.
(2) An application under subsection (1) shall be in writing in a form specified by the Commission or in a form to the like effect and shall be made within such time as the Commission may specify and shall include the address in the State of the body concerned.
(3) Where a body makes an application under this section, it shall nominate a person to be its authorised officer for the purposes of this Act (referred to subsequently in this Act as “an authorised officer”) and the name and address of the person so nominated shall be included in the form of application.
(4) A Commission may refuse to make a declaration under subsection (1) if—
(a) in the opinion of the Commission, the body concerned does not have a bona fide interest in the proposal the subject of the referendum concerned,
(b) it fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this section or section 9, or
(c) the name of the body is identical with the name of any party registered in the Register of Political Parties, or in the opinion of the Commission so closely resembles such name as to be calculated to mislead, confuse or deceive.
(5) Upon the determination of an application under this section, the Commission shall as soon as may be—
(a) by notice in writing (which may be sent by post) inform the body concerned of the determination and, if it is a refusal to make a declaration under this section, the notice shall include a statement of the reasons for the refusal, and
(b) publish a notice in Iris Oifigiúil of the result of the determination.
(6) A person shall not knowingly furnish false information to the Commission in relation to an application under this section.
(7) A person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both.
(8) Where the Commission is satisfied that false information has been furnished to it under this section, the Commission shall revoke any declaration made by it in relation to the application concerned and shall, as soon as may be, notify the body concerned of the revocation and of the reasons therefor.
(9) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), in this section “body” means a body corporate or unincorporated body which, or a branch of which, is established in the State, governed by a constitution, a memorandum of association or other such document or other written rules and having a membership of not less than 300.
(b) A political party that is for the time being registered in the Register of Political Parties shall be deemed to be a body.
Publication of notices by Commission.
8.—The Commission shall as soon as may be after its establishment publish a notice in two or more national newspapers—
(a) indicating that a person may make submissions in writing or by electronic mail to the Commission in relation to the proposal the subject of the referendum,
(b) indicating that a body may apply to the Commission for a declaration under section 7,
(c) specifying time limits for the receipt of such submissions and applications, and
(d) specifying the procedures for making such submissions and applications.
Obligation to provide information or statutory declaration if required.
9.—(1) The Commission may request from a body that applies for a declaration under section 7 all such information or documents in the possession or procurement of the body that the Commission reasonably requires from it for the purposes of the determination of the application.
(2) Whenever the Commission makes a request under subsection (1), the authorised officer of the body shall furnish the Commission with the information or documents within the time (being not more than 7 days from the day on which the request is made) specified in the request and, if the officer does not comply with the request, the application of that body for a declaration under section 7 shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
(3) The Commission may require that information furnished to the Commission under this section shall be accompanied by a statutory declaration made by the authorised officer concerned that, to the best of the person's knowledge and belief, the information is correct in every material respect and that the person has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information.
(4) A person who knowingly furnishes false information pursuant to a request under this section shall be guilty of an offence.
(5) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both.
(6) Where the Commission is satisfied that false information has been furnished to it under this section, the Commission shall revoke any declaration made by it in relation to the application concerned and shall, as soon as may be, notify the body concerned of the revocation and of the reasons therefor.
Notification of referendum returning officer and local returning officer of details of approved body.
10.—(1) As soon as practicable after the Commission has made a declaration under section 7 or revoked a declaration under section 7 or 9, as the case may be, in respect of a body, the Commission shall notify the referendum returning officer of the name and address of the body and the name and address of the authorised officer of the body.
(2) The referendum returning officer shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of a notification under subsection (1), notify each local returning officer of the particulars so notified to him or her under subsection (1).
Appointment by approved body of agents at a referendum.
11.—(1) Subject to the provisions of section 26 of the Act of 1994 that are applied by subsection (3), an approved body may appoint a person or persons to act as agent for the body at the referendum concerned to be present—
(a) at the issue of ballot papers to postal voters,
(b) at the opening of postal ballot boxes, and
(c) at the counting of votes,
at the referendum.
(2) An approved body may appoint one personation agent to be present as the agent for the body in each polling station for the purposes of assisting in the detection of personation, and such appointment shall be in writing.
(3) The provisions of subsections (2), (4) to (9), (11) and (12) of section 26 of the Act of 1994 shall apply to persons appointed to act as agents under this section as they apply to agents appointed under the said section 26 with the modification that references to a member of the Dáil shall include references to an approved body and with any other necessary modifications.
Referendum petition.
12.—Section 43 of the Act of 1994 is hereby amended by the insertion of the following subsection after subsection (2):
“(3) A provisional referendum certificate shall not be questioned by reason of a non-compliance by the Referendum Commission with any provision contained in the Referendum Act, 1998, or mistake made by the Referendum Commission if it appears to the High Court that the Referendum Commission complied with the principles laid down in that Act and that such non-compliance or mistake did not materially affect the result of the referendum.”.
Advances to Commission.
13.—The Minister by whom the Bill containing the proposal the subject of the referendum concerned was initiated shall, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, advance to the Commission out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas such sums as the Minister may determine for the purposes of expenditure by the Commission in the performance of its functions.
Reports and information to Minister.
14.—(1) As soon as may be after the completion of the performance of its functions under this Act, but not later than 6 months thereafter, the Commission shall prepare and submit a report in writing to the Minister in relation to the performance by it of those functions and the Minister shall cause copies thereof to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
(2) The Commission shall, whenever so requested by the Minister, furnish to the Minister information in relation to such matters as he or she may specify relating to its activities generally or in respect of any report specified in subsection (1).
(3) The Commission shall stand dissolved one month after the submission of the report under subsection (1) to the Minister.
Amendment of Act of 1994.
15.—The Act of 1994 is hereby amended by—
(a) in section 2(3), the substitution for paragraphs (f), (g), (h), (m) and (v) of the following paragraphs:
“(f) the reference in section 67 of the said Act to section 60 thereof was a reference to section 26 and to section 11 of the Referendum Act, 1998, and ‘of the candidates’ was deleted,
(g) the references in section 68 of the said Act to each candidate were references to each member of the Dáil for the constituency and each member of the Seanad resident in the constituency concerned and each approved body within the meaning of the Refererendum Act, 1998 and ‘if the election is contested’ was deleted,
(h) the references in section 73 of the said Act to each candidate were references to each member of the Dáil for the constituency and each member of the Seanad resident in the constituency concerned and each approved body within the meaning of the Referendum Act, 1998,
(m) in section 95 of the said Act ‘a member of the Dáil for the constituency and any member of the Seanad and a person authorised in writing by the authorised officer of an approved body within the meaning of the Referendum Act, 1998’ was substituted for ‘a person in respect of whom he is satisfied that that person has a bona fide interest in the Dáil election as either a candidate or a prospective candidate, or the agent of such a person’,
(v) in section 113 of the said Act the references to ‘each candidate’ were references to each member of the Dáil for the constituency and each member of the Seanad resident in the constituency and each approved body within the meaning of the Referendum Act, 1998 and ‘of the candidates’ in subsections (2) and (3) was deleted,”,
(b) in section 27(1), the insertion after “at that referendum” of “or for an approved body within the meaning of the Referendum Act, 1998”, and
(c) in section 28—
(i) in subsection (4), the insertion after “resident in the constituency” of “and to each approved body within the meaning of the Referendum Act, 1998”, and
(ii) in subsection (5), the substitution for “any member of the Seanad” of “any such member of the Seanad and a reference to an agent appointed by an approved body within the meaning of the Referendum Act, 1998.”.
Provisions in relation to offences.
16.—(1) Where an offence under this Act is committed by a body corporate and is proved to have been so committed with the consent, connivance or approval of, or to have been attributable to any wilful neglect on the part of, any person, being a director, manager, secretary or any other officer of the body corporate or a person who was purporting to act in any such capacity, that person, as well as the body corporate, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished as if he or she were guilty of the first-mentioned offence.
(2) Proceedings for an offence under this Act shall not be instituted except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Short title, collective citation and construction.
17.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Referendum Act, 1998.
(2) The Referendum Acts, 1992 and 1994 and this Act may be cited together as the Referendum Acts, 1992 to 1998, and shall be construed together as one.