Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 January 2013
69. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the measures in place at the NewERA organisation within the National Treasury Management Agency to prevent conflicts of interest if employees or staff in NewERA are appointed to companies being created under the auspices of NewERA or in which the State is disposing of stakes. [4657/13]
View answer76. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to review the need for a cooling off period to be introduced in respect of National Treasury Management Agency executives leaving the organisation and immediately taking up senior positions in the covered institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4723/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 76 together.
I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) that NTMA employees have notice periods of one or three months and six months in the case of the Chief Executive. I understand the Chief Executive of the Agency is reviewing NTMA policy in this area. All NTMA employees are subject to section 14 of the National Treasury Management Agency Act, 1990 which prohibits an employee from disclosing any information obtained while carrying out their duties as employees of the NTMA. NTMA employees are also subject to the Official Secrets Act. I am also informed by the Agency that contravention of the NTMA Act and the Official Secrets Act is a criminal offence and that the prohibition on disclosing confidential information applies indefinitely and extends to former employees.
