I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 7 and 8 together.
The Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995, deals comprehensively with the matter of gifts to office holders. Section 15 provides that gifts which exceed £500 in value and which are given to an office holder by virtue of office be deemed to be gifts to the State. In these circumstances the gift, or in certain circumstances its value, is transferred to State custody or the Exchequer. The Act expressly exempts gifts given by a friend or relation of the recipient for personal reasons only.
Government guidelines prepared in accordance with section 15(4) of the Act provide that all officeholders are expected to adhere to the fundamental principle that an offer of gifts, hospitality or services should not be accepted where it would, or might appear to, place him or her under an obligation. The guidelines go on to make specific provision for dealing with such matters. Again the guidelines provide that the supply of property or services below £500 in value or made for personal reasons by a friend or relative are exempt.
Under the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995, each member of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann must make an annual statement of interests to be registered. Interests to be registered exclude living accommodation, etc., supplied by a relation or friend of the person for personal reasons only, unless its acceptance might reasonably be seen to have been capable of influencing him or her in the performance of functions as a Member, officeholder, etc. The Cabinet Handbook refers to the statutory requirements and contains a copy of the guidelines to which I have already referred.
It is evident that the treatment of gifts is addressed comprehensively in the statutory framework and the steps to be taken in different circumstances are clearly specified. The Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995, was a long time in preparation and strikes a fine balance between the right of individuals to have personal lives and the need for accountability in the conduct of official business. I regard the balance struck as appropriate. I have no proposals by way of fresh legislation or addition to the Cabinet Handbook which would interfere with the balance so painstakingly evidenced and established in the Act.