Written Answers - Ethics in Public Office.

Wednesday, 22 November 2006

Dáil Eireann Debate
Vol. 628 No. 1

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  140.  Mr. P. McGrath  Information on Paul McGrath  Zoom on Paul McGrath   asked the Minister for Finance  Information on Brian Cowen  Zoom on Brian Cowen   the circumstances in which a gift to a serving Minister will be deemed to be a conflict of interest under the purposed new amendment to rules governing Ethics in Public Offices. [39165/06]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen): Information on Brian Cowen  Zoom on Brian Cowen  The Deputy will be aware that office holders and members of the Dáil and Seanad may accept a significant gift in only limited circumstances.

The Taoiseach and Tánaiste issued statements last month indicating that the Ethics legislation will be amended to require an office holder or member, before accepting a significant gift or loan, to seek the opinion of the Standards in Public Office Commission that acceptance of the gift or loan would not be likely to compromise the discharge of his or her public duties, and to abide by the Commission’s opinion.

The details of the proposal are being worked on at present and the Government will bring forward legislation when this process has been completed.

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