Vol. 453 No. 4
28 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Finance if the Government has introduced a Protocol or code of practice for Programme Managers and Advisers, particularly in relation to their communication with the media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8828/95]
Civil servants, including programme managers and special advisers to Ministers and Ministers of State, are bound by the provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1963, which, inter alia, prohibits them from communicating official information unless they are authorised to do so in the course of, and in accordance with their official duties, or where it is their duty in the interest of the State to communicate it. Heads of Departments were instructed recently to remind all civil servants of their obligations under the Act and to draw their attention to the terms of Circular 15/79 concerning official secrecy and integrity, which also applies to all civil servants.
