Donations and loans to Northern Ireland political parties: confidentiality arrangements
The NIO seeks views on whether there is a case for extending the period in which details of donations and loans remain confidential. The period was due to end 1st March 2011, and the proposal is to extend confidentiality arrangement for a further 2 years.
This consultation paper seeks views on whether details of donations and loans made to political parties in Northern Ireland should be made public or whether some confidentiality provisions should continue to apply for a further period.
Currently, political parties must report details of donations and loans they have received above certain thresholds to the Electoral Commission. However, the Commission is currently under a strict duty not to release information relating to donations and loans made to Northern Ireland political parties publicly. This duty of confidentiality was previously due to cease on 31 October 2010, however Parliament recently approved legislation to extend this to 1 March 2011 to allow for full consultation on this issue.