Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 2

Written Answers. - Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995.

Liz McManus

Question:

28 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to implement the recommendation of the Tribunal of Inquiry (Dunnes Payments) that the making of a false declaration of interest under the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995 should be a criminal offence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15646/97]

John Bruton

Question:

37 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has for an Ethics Commission. [14672/97]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 37 together as each relates to the proposed standards in public office Bill.

I confirm for Deputy Bruton that proposals are under consideration for the establishment of a body such as an ethics commission on a statutory basis. As recently indicated by the Taoiseach to this House the purpose of the body would be to ensure that mechanisms and structures are in place so that the public can have full confidence in the manner in which the public affairs of this country are conducted from now on. This proposal is very much in line with the thinking of the McCracken tribunal for an independent third party to monitor and investigate possible breaches of the Ethics in Public Office Act.

It is our intention that provision for this new body would form an integral part of the proposed standards in public office Bill.

I also want to confirm for Deputy McManus that we propose, subject to legal advice on the matter, to implement the recommendation of the tribunal that the making of a false declaration of interest under the Ethics Act should be a criminal offence. This matter will also be addressed by the proposed Bill.