Alan Shatter
Question:96 Mr. Shatter asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the gifts received by him on trips overseas since his appointment as Tánaiste and the person or group from whom such gifts were received.
Written Answers. - Exchange of Gifts.
It is the established international practice that on the occasion of an official or State visit gifts are exchanged between host and guest. I can confirm to the Deputy that in conformity with this longstanding practice, I have exchanged gifts of a modest kind with my hosts in the course of the various official visits I have made abroad since taking up office last January.
It is also the practice — which I believe is largely out of courtesy to the other parties involved — not to give details of such gifts. I propose to adhere to this practice.
I can assure the Deputy however, that I have received no gifts which breach the standing Government Procedure Instructions in this matter. I would also recall that the Programme for a Partnership Government undertakes to incorporate into the Ethics in Government Bill, which is in the course of preparation, the provisions of the Government Procedure Instructions in so far as they relate to the registration of gifts to office holders.