Vol. 576 No. 6
84 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he has received correspondence from the Standards in Public Office Commission drawing his attention to limitations in the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, arising from consideration of a case (details supplied); the steps he intends to take to address the issues raised by the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30110/03]
I confirm to the Deputy that I received correspondence from the Standards in Public Office Commission concerning the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 and the possible changes to the powers of the commission in relation to the operation of certain sections of the Act. I have asked my officials to examine the points raised by the commission. This examination is ongoing and it may be necessary to seek legal advice on the issues raised by the commission. Pending the outcome of the examination and the legal advice, if necessary, I do not propose to comment further on the matter at this stage.
