asked the Taoiseach if he has inquired whether any members of his Government, or the spouses or immediate family members of any members of his Government own shares in a personal capacity in any of the oil exploration companies likely to be affected by the Government announcement of 30 September last in relation to oil terms; the steps, if any, he has taken to satisfy himself that no member of his Government is subject to a conflict of interest in this matter, wittingly or unwittingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shares in Oil Exploration Companies.
4.
The code of practice governing conflict of interest requires Ministers to alert their colleagues where any matter before Government is one in which they or their family have a material interest and unless the Government decide otherwise, not to take part in decision-making in that matter. I am not aware of any breach of this principle.
Is the Taoiseach saying in relation to the question that no member of the Government and no members of Ministers' families have shares in any of the companies that would be affected?
I do not think the Deputy fully understands the position which is that there is no particular inhibition on any Member of this House holding shares or any other property. What is of importance is that there should be no conflict of interest where a Minister is concerned and that matter is taken care of by the principle which binds on Ministers to, if an issue arises in which there would appear to be a conflict of interests, inform their colleagues and if necessary to refrain from taking part in that discussion. My information is that there is no such conflict of interest hazard.
I can assure the Taoiseach that I also have read rules in relation to the conduct of Ministers' affairs. Is the Taoiseach saying that no member of the Government declared an interest in any of the oil exploration companies prior to the changing of the terms for exploration last month?
That is correct.