Departmental Staff.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2005

Tuesday, 10 May 2005

Ceisteanna (416)

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

467 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants in his Department who have made settlements with the Revenue Commissioners as tax defaulters; his views on whether this is appropriate in view of his Department’s auditing role in relation to EU and national schemes in relation to the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15293/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

Tax clearance provisions for certain officials prescribed under the Ethics in Public Office Acts are a matter for the Standards in Public Office Commission. Tax settlements for other civil servants are a matter between the Revenue Commissioners and the individuals concerned. My Department is not aware of any conflict of interest on the part of any of its staff who are involved in auditing work as referred to in the question.