Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Ethics in Public Office.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

67 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he intends to introduce any changes to the Cabinet Handbook to further alert each Minister to the dangers of accepting gifts or hospitality that might appear to place him or her under an obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17744/99]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

68 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he has issued any instructions to Ministers regarding the circumstances in which they may accept gifts or hospitality from corporate interests who may be lobbying the Government for certain decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17745/99]

The Taoiseach:

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 68 together.

The Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995, deals comprehensively with the matter of gifts to officeholders. Section 15 of the Act provides that gifts which exceed £500 and which are given to an officeholder by virtue of office be deemed to be gifts to the State. In these circumstances the gift, or in certain circumstances its value, is transferred to State custody or the Exchequer.

The Act expressly exempts gifts given by a friend or relation of the recipient for personal reasons only.

Government guidelines prepared in accordance with section 15(4) of the Act provide that all officeholders are expected to adhere to the fundamental principle that an offer of gifts, hospitality or services should not be accepted where it would, or might appear to, place him or her under an obligation. The guidelines go on to make specific provision for dealing with such matters. Again, the guidelines provide that the supply of property/services below £500 in value or made for personal reasons by a friend or relative are exempt.

Under the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995, each Member of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann must make an annual statement of registrable interests. Registrable interests excludes living accommodation etc. supplied by a relation or friend of the person for personal reasons only, unless its acceptance might reasonably be seen to have been capable of influencing him or her in the performance of functions as a member, office holder, etc.

The Cabinet Handbook refers to the statutory requirements and contains a copy of the guidelines to which I have already referred.

It is evident that the treatment of gifts is addressed comprehensively in the statutory framework and the steps to be taken in different circumstances are clearly specified. The Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995 was a long time in preparation and strikes a fine balance between the right of individuals to have personal lives and the need for accountability in the conduct of official business. I regard the balance struck as appropriate. I have no proposals by way of fresh legislation or addition to the Cabinet Handbook which would interfere with the balance so painstakingly established in the Act.