asked the Taoiseach whether any Minister or Parliamentary Secretary was, on his appointment as such, connected with any public or private company or business interest; and if so, if he will state the name, style or description of the company or interest involved and the capacity in which such Minister or Parliamentary Secretary was connected with it, and whether he is still so connected.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Business Interests of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.
1.
The business affairs of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries, before their appointments to those posts, are not a matter for the House.
No Minister or Parliamentary Secretary holds any position that could reasonably be regarded as interfering, or being incompatible, with the full and proper discharge by him of the duties of his office.
When the Taoiseach uses the phrase "reasonably be regarded", may I take it that a Minister or a Parliamentary Secretary cannot retain a directorship in a company?
As the Deputy is aware, it is not a matter of law but of convention. That is the position now.