Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2006
85 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to make changes to the Civil Service code of standards and behaviour or the code of conduct for office holders in view of recent evidence of Ministers using civil servants for political purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7934/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am satisfied that Ministers are aware of the responsibilities and duties of the civil servants who report to them.
The Civil Service code of standards and behaviour was introduced in September 2004 in compliance with section 10(3) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 and I have no plans to make changes in it. The provisions of the Civil Code of standards and behaviour form part of all civil servants' terms and conditions of employment who are expected to apply it at all times. Breaches of the code constitute a breach of the terms of employment of a civil servant and may result in disciplinary action.
Pursuant to the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, the Government drew up the code of conduct for office holders, which was published in July 2003. A person to whom the code of conduct relates shall have regard to and be guided by the code in the performance of his or her functions and in relation to any other matters to which the code relates.
If a Deputy believes that any office holder may have transgressed the code or may have done an act that is inconsistent with the proper performance of the functions of the office, he or she is entitled to avail of the remedies available under the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, which include referring the matter for examination to the Standards in Public Office Commission, an independent public body established, inter alia, for that purpose under the 2001 Act.
