Vol. 519 No. 5
44 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the progress being made with regard to the draft code of conduct for civil servants now being considered by the implementation group of the SMI; if the 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. [14262/00]
Considerable progress has been achieved to date on the preparation of a draft code of conduct for civil servants. The SMI implementation group of Secretaries General has just completed consideration of the text. The text will now be submitted to Government seeking general approval, in accordance with normal practices under the SMI. I have given an undertaking in this House that the code will be referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service. Detailed discussions on the draft with the Civil Service unions will also be required. While the timescale involved in these deliberations is difficult to predict, I would hope that matter will be finalised later this year.
