asked the Minister for Finance in respect of any offices in Government Departments or public agencies operating under the aegis of Government Departments for any purpose which involves personal applications, entitlements, advice or discussion including local authorities, set up by statute or not whether or not, he has issued regulations or instructions regarding the minimum level of privacy and courtesy which should be accorded individuals, including a minimum level of privacy which would preclude individuals conversations with public officials being observed visually or overheard by other members of the public; if he has not issued such regulations or instructions if he will now be prepared to do so; if he has issued such instructions or proposes to do so if he will give details of the minimum standards to be observed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Public Office Interviews.
42.
The public service as a whole aspires to the highest standards of courtesy and confidentiality in its contacts with the public, and my Department has taken steps to promote this. The general policy is that having regard to budgetary constraints and the need for security in some cases, public offices should be made as comfortable, convenient and confidential as possible. Progress in this area falls within the scope of my ongoing review of public service performance.