Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 6

Written Answers. - Ministers' Code of Conduct.

Louis J. Belton

Question:

17 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Finance if the code of conduct for the semi-State sector announced by the Government on 25 September 1991, will also apply to Ministers of the Government and to civil servants exercising functions analogous to those being exercised by executives in the semi-State sector.

Paul Bradford

Question:

24 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Finance if the code of conduct for the semi-State sector announced by the Government on 25 September 1991, will also apply to Ministers of the Government and to civil servants exercising functions analogous to those being exercised by executives in the semi-State sector.

Michael Joe Cosgrave

Question:

30 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Finance if the code of conduct for the semi-State sector announced by the Government on 25 September 1991, will also apply to Ministers of the Government and to civil servants exercising functions analogous to those being exercised by executives in the semi-State sector.

Monica Barnes

Question:

65 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Finance if the code of conduct for the semi-State sector announced by the Government on 25 September 1991, will also apply to Ministers of the Government and to civil servants exercising functions analogous to those being exercised by executives in the semi-State sector.

Seán Barrett

Question:

67 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if the code of conduct for the semi-State sector announced by the Government on 25 September 1991, will also apply to Ministers of the Government and to civil servants exercising functions analogous to those being exercised by executives in the semi-State sector.

Donal Carey

Question:

71 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Finance if the code of conduct for the semi-State sector announced by the Government on 25 September 1991, will also apply to Ministers of the Government and to civil servants exercising functions analogous to those being exercised by executives in the semi-State sector.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 24, 30, 65, 67 and 71 together.

As regards standards of conduct for Government Ministers, former Taoisigh have set out the principles applied by successive administrations over the years. The code of conduct remains unchanged. The general principles underlying the code have been dealt with, at length, by the Taoiseach of the day, in replying to parliamentary questions on 28 February and 22 November 1989, 24 May 1988, 14 October 1987 and 22 October 1986.

As regards the Civil Service, my Department have, over the years, issued a number of circulars outlining rules of conduct for civil servants. These rules have also been incorporated in a staff information booklet, published in 1990, which was issued to all serving staff and is given to new entrants on appointment. It is the responsibility of heads of Departments to ensure compliance with the rules of conduct in individual cases. I should add, however, that I am currently having a review carried out with a view to ensuring that the instructions which have issued over the years are comprehensive and appropriate in current circumstances.