Environment Minister John Gormley has reportedly confirmed his plans to introduce spending limits for candidates ahead of next June's local elections.
Reports this morning say Mr Gormley told an Oireachtas committee that he has yet to make a decision about the precise limits.
A report being considered by the committee says spending levels by candidates in the 1999 local elections had a significant bearing on electoral success.
Spending limits are already in place for Dáil elections, European elections and presidential elections.