Vol. 522 No. 2
51 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Finance the progress that has been 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. [18154/00]
The draft code of standards and behaviour for civil servants was recently finalised by the implementation group of Secretaries General of the SMI and I am currently considering it.
A draft memorandum for Government on the code is being prepared by my Department and will issue to Departments for their observations in the near future. The draft code will then be brought before the Government for approval, following which the consultative process with the Civil Service unions will commence.
Last June in response to a parliamentary question from Deputy John Bruton, I also gave a commitment in this House that the draft code would be referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance and Public Service for their consideration.
Following these consultation processes any changes to the code will be resubmitted to the Government for approval prior to the promulgation of the code in the Civil Service.
