Vol. 457 No. 7
87 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the steps, if any, he intends to take to identify those responsible for the leaking of a confidential document relating to the 1996 budget to a person (details supplied) and which formed the basis of The Sunday Business Post's front page on 22 October 1995; and his views on the leaking of information in this way in the pre-budget season. [16306/95]
88 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the action, if any, that has been taken by his Department in relation to the leaking of budget-related material to The Sunday Business Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16308/95]
89 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the steps, if any, he intends to take to prevent the leaking of budget-related material in the run-up to the 1996 budget, such as the material from the front page story of The Sunday Business Post of 22 October 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16309/95]
90 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance whether he regards the leaking of material reported as being confidential to The Sunday Business Post recently as being a serious disciplinary matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16310/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 to 90, inclusive, together.
I can assure the Deputy that I and my Department share his concern in this matter. The Secretary of my Department has initiated a Garda inquiry into the leaking of the confidential material relating to the 1996 budget. The investigation is now in the hands of the Garda.
Regarding the question of steps taken to prevent leaks in the run-up to the 1996 budget, I can inform the Deputy that following the inquiry into the 1995 budget leaks, a Department of Finance office notice 27/95 dated 19 September 1995 and entitled "Official Secrecy: Budget Preparations" has issued and is being strictly observed. A copy of the circular has been lodged in the Oireachtas Library.
