Vol. 517 No. 2
45 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the progress, if any, made with regard to the draft code of conduct for civil servants now being considered by the implementation group of the SMI; if this draft has been discussed with unions representing civil servants; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9351/00]
Considerable progress has been achieved to date in the preparation of a draft code of conduct for civil servants. A detailed draft is currently before the SMI implementation group of secretaries general and I understand that they are nearing finality in the consideration of the text. When this process has been completed, the text will be submitted to Government seeking general approval in accordance with normal practices under the SMI. In addition, I have already given an undertaking in this House that the code will be submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service. The final stage of the deliberative process will entail detailed discussions on the draft with the Civil Service unions. I hope the deliberative process will be completed during the course of the year.
