I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 113 together.
The Deputies will be aware that office holders and members of the Dáil and Seanad may accept a significant gift in only limited circumstances.
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste issued statements last week indicating that the Ethics legislation will be amended to require an office holder or member, before accepting a significant gift or loan, to seek the opinion of the Standards in Public Office Commission that acceptance of the gift or loan would not be likely to compromise the discharge of his or her public duties, and to abide by the Commission's opinion.
The details of the proposal are being worked on at present and the Government will bring forward legislation when this process has been completed.
As regards consultation, when the proposal is at a more advanced stage I intend to consult the Select Committees on Members' Interests before final decisions are made. In my view, it would not be appropriate to consult with the Standards in Public Office Commission at this stage in the process, in view of its general role and the role it would have in the operation of the proposed requirement.