Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2010
115 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if, notwithstanding the fact that economic experts commissioned by the Government are subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act, he can provide assurance that these experts do not also advise private sector interests who are subject to cuts in public expenditure on the way to mitigate their impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42190/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously indicated to the Deputy in my reply to PQ 40173/10, under their terms of their employment, staff with economic expertise are subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1963 as amended by the Freedom of Information Acts, 1997 and 2003. In addition, they are required not to disclose to third parties any confidential information especially information with commercial potential either during or subsequent to the period of employment or engage in other work which would result in a conflict of interest. Were any breaches of these provisions to come to my attention or that of my Department, they would be pursued appropriately.
