The standards to be followed have already been set out. The Standards in Public Office Commission has already given advice on what must be done in future for all candidates in subsequent elections. The framework being set out in the code is really taken from the legislation already there. This includes the Ethics in Public Office Act, the Standards in Public Office Act, the Prevention of Corruption Act. as well as the other directives that the commission has issued in recent years. The code will cover the positions of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, Ministers, Ministers of State, the Attorney General – if he is a Member of the Oireachtas – the chairmen and deputy chairmen of the Dáil committees, Seanad Éireann, the chairmen of joint committees of both Houses of the Oireachtas. It will set out the commission's views under headings as to the codes that should be followed.
The important thing is that the code will be admissible in any proceedings before a court, tribunal or committee of this House or the Standards in Public Office Commission. It will have the force of law and people will have to follow it, otherwise it will be used in evidence against them. I saw the earlier draft, but I hope this new draft will be one that people can follow easily and understand. It is important that people do so, as it will become the document against which people will be checked.