The rules concerning the conduct of civil servants in the course of their official duties are contained in a number of circulars issued by my Department over the years. There are also statutory provisions, for example in the Official Secrets Act, 1963 and the Prevention of Corruption Acts, 1889-1916. Overall, the main areas covered include official secrecy, State employees and politics, conflict of interest, contracts with, purchases from or sales to government Departments, bankruptcy, use of influence and dealings with the public. The instructions seek to ensure that employees perform their duties honestly and impartially and avoid situations which could compromise their integrity.
As regards civil servants acting on boards, authorities or companies established by statute or under the Companies Acts, their responsibilities do not differ from those of any other member of the boards in question. In the case of bodies established under the Companies Acts, for instance, their responsibilities are clearly to the company in question, and the Acts make this clear.
Obviously, in the case of bodies in the State sector, board members, including civil servants are, generally speaking, appointed either by Ministers or the Government. In the case of civil servants, their presence means that Departments and Ministers can have a much better insight in regard to the progress and policies of State boards, while they can see the affairs of bodies in the context of Government policy as a whole and should be able to make a substantial contribution to the affairs of bodies in question. I might add that the report on which the guidelines mentioned in the Deputy's question are based examines the question of civil servants on State boards.
As regards civil servants acting on boards, authorities or companies in the private sector, they would be bound by the normal rules for civil servants which I mentioned earlier, where these are applicable. In particular, they would have to be certain that such involvement would not in any way conflict with the interests of their Department, or be inconsistent with their official position.
I am currently having a comprehensive review of all relevant circulars carried out with a view to ensuring that the regulations in question are fully up-to-date.