The Public Sector Standards Bill 2015 aims to significantly enhance the existing framework for identifying, disclosing and managing conflicts of interest and minimising corruption risks, to achieve a shift towards a more dynamic and risk-based system of compliance and to ensure that the institutional framework for oversight, investigation and enforcement is robust and effective. This Bill consolidates the current legislative framework governing the ethical obligations of public officials and gives effect to the recommendations of the Tribunals.
The Bill was published on 23 December 2015, and completed Second Stage in the Dáil on 20 January 2016. The first session of Committee Stage in the Dáil was held on 6 April and the next session will be held after Easter. It is my intention to that the Bill will be enacted before the summer.