Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
835. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if every member of An Garda Síochána that is required to make an annual declaration under SIPO legislation has done so since the legislation has required them to do so; and the details of this by individual year, rank and name, in tabular form. [28326/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible within the time available to compile the information necessary to answer the questions but I will convey the information to the Deputy when it becomes available.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including personnel matters and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Question 835 for answer on 20 June 2017 where you asked if every member of An Garda Síochána that is required to make an annual declaration under SIPO legislation has done so since the legislation has required them to do so, and the details of this by individual year, rank and name, in tabular form.
As the information you requested could not be obtained within the time available, I undertook to contact you again.
I am advised that in January of each year, all staff who occupy a “designated position” in An Garda Síochána are emailed and informed of their obligations under the Ethics in Public Office Acts. In so far as An Garda Síochána is concerned, occupiers of designated positions relate to all post holders from Deputy Commissioner to Superintendent rank inclusive and from Chief Administrative Officer to Assistant Principal Grade inclusive, in addition to certain post holders at Higher Executive Officer Grade. The Garda Commissioner is required to make an annual return directly to SIPO.
In the eighth edition of the guidelines (August 2010) for public servants on compliance with the Ethics Acts, the Standards Commission withdrew its previous recommendation that, where a person has no interests to disclose, he/she should furnish a 'nil' statement. Where such a person has no interests to disclose, a statement is not legally required.
It is the responsibility of each holder of a designated directorship and occupier of a designated position to ensure they are in compliance with the Ethic Acts.
I hope this is of assistance.
