Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 5

Written Answers. - Code of Conduct in Public Service.

Alan Shatter

Question:

122 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health if he will outline, in relation to each State and semi-State company under the aegis of his Department, the companies which have a code of conduct delineating the activities which board members and employees of such bodies can engage in to ensure that an actual or potential conflict of interest does not arise vis-à-vis their duties as members and/or employees of such State bodies and other activities; the way in which this code of conduct, if any, is monitored by his Department; if he will make available in full, any such code of conduct stating the State and semi-State bodies to which it applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

A draft professional code of conduct has recently been drawn up by chief executive officers of health boards. This draft document has formed the basis of a discussion between the health boards, the Local Government Staff Negotiations Board and the unions concerned. The unions are expected to give their response to this document shortly.

When this document has been agreed and implemented in the health board area, its extension to other boards under the aegis of my Department will be considered. In addition I have written to the chairman of all statutory bodies requesting them to review existing procedures and systems so that the highest standards of personal integrity obtain both at board and management level.